From Crypto Skeptic to Wealth Builder: Daniel's Inspiring Journey and Actionable Steps for Dads in Crypto

As a dad, you're constantly juggling work, family, and the dream of building a better future for your kids. What if I told you that one man's faith-driven dive into cryptocurrency turned his financial struggles into a path toward generational wealth? In Episode 10 of the Dad Ledger Podcast, hosts Ryan Fields-Spack and Trent Cleveland sit down with Daniel, a fellow brother in faith and now a seasoned crypto investor. Daniel shares his raw story of entering the crypto world in early 2021, navigating the brutal bear market, and emerging stronger with a portfolio focused on utility tokens and passive income.

This longform blog recaps the interview, adds real-time context from August 2025 (where the crypto market is buzzing with Bitcoin hovering around $113,000 after recent highs near $118,000  and a global market cap of $3.84 trillion), and breaks it down into key takeaways with practical steps you can take today. Whether you're paycheck-to-paycheck like Daniel was or just starting to explore assets beyond a savings account, this is your roadmap to rewriting your family's financial legacy. Remember, none of this is financial advice—consult professionals and do your own research (DYOR).

Daniel's Origin Story: Faith, Mentorship, and the Leap into Crypto

Daniel's journey began in late January 2021 at a spiritual retreat called Fire and Ice in North Carolina. Amid personal financial hardships—living paycheck-to-paycheck with big dreams but no clear path to funding them—Daniel met Trent Cleveland through their mutual mentor, Fred Augustine. Trent, already dabbling in crypto, sparked a Holy Spirit-filled conversation that night. Daniel had heard whispers from the Lord about "multiplying money" but hadn't acted until this moment.

"I had visions of what I wanted to accomplish, but funding was a big issue," Daniel recalls. He dove in headfirst, starting with YouTube videos to understand the tech. His first buy? XRP at around 80 cents. Fast-forward to August 2025: XRP is trading at approximately $2.90, a solid gain from his entry, though it's pulled back from recent highs above $3 amid market volatility. Daniel credits faith and Trent's guidance for pushing him forward, even when he didn't fully grasp the details.

What sets Daniel's story apart is its blend of spirituality and strategy. He references Bible verses like James 1:5 ("If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God") and Zechariah 4:10 ("Do not despise these small beginnings"). For dads, this resonates: It's not just about quick riches but stewarding resources for your family and kingdom purposes. Daniel avoided greed, focusing on long-term utility over hype.

As the interview unfolds, Daniel explains shifting from traditional savings (yielding a measly few percent) to crypto assets. He drew parallels to past tech shifts—like email in the '90s or iPhones—seeing crypto as an inevitable upgrade to our outdated financial system. "Our banking system hasn't been updated in decades," he says. In 2025, this rings truer than ever, with the recent signing of the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins) in July, which creates a federal framework for stablecoins, bolstering the USD and integrating DeFi with traditional finance .

Navigating the Bear Market: Utility Tokens and Passive Income

Daniel didn't chase memes or NFTs during the 2021 hype. Guided by Trent, he focused on utility tokens—projects with real-world use cases. XRP was his gateway, bought for its partnerships in cross-border payments. Today, Ripple (XRP's parent) boasts expansions like tokenizing real estate with the Dubai Land Department and custody support in Korea . He also invested in Flare Network, which in 2025 has surged past $170 million in TVL and launched partnerships for institutional yield on XRP .

The bear market tested him: XRP dipped to 20 cents, but Daniel DCA'd (dollar-cost averaged) down, viewing it as a "crazy discount." He built passive income by staking/delegating tokens, earning yields of 5-15% even as prices fell. "I could buy low and not worry because I'm getting yield," he explains. In protocols like Flare, early investors are rewarded with airdrops and incentives extending into 2025.

By 2024's election pump, Daniel's portfolio exploded—utility plays like XRP jumped 50% or more. His phone blew up with friends he'd mentored, proving the power of paying it forward.

The Future: Adoption, Exit Strategies, and Kingdom Mindset

Daniel predicts big shifts by 2027, driven by adoption. He mentions Hedera's partnerships with major businesses (now including AI integrations and a 24% surge in July 2025) and Ripple's bank ties. With ISO 20022 compliance fully implemented by the Fed in July 2025, coins like XRP, Hedera (HBAR), and others are primed for integration.

On exits: Daniel plans to watch Bitcoin dominance (currently around 60%) drop to 40%, then DCA out on runs. Trent uses spreadsheets for binary sell decisions, allocating to tithing, re-entry, and real-world assets.

For dads, Daniel emphasizes stewardship: "Pray about it and develop purpose." Crypto isn't for everyone—if you're not ready, it could harm more than help.

Key Takeaways: Actionable Steps for Dads to Build Financial Freedom

Here are the core lessons from Daniel's story, tailored for dads like you. Each includes steps to take right now, plus resources. Start small, as Daniel did with $10-50 buys.

1. Start with Education and Faith-Aligned Conviction
   Daniel's breakthrough came from praying for wisdom and studying tech basics. Don't blindly invest—build conviction.
   Actionable Steps:
   • Spend 1-2 hours daily on YouTube channels like CoinBureau or InvestAnswers for crypto 101.
   • Journal your "why": How will this bless your family? Reference James 1:5 for guidance.
   • Resource: Read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki for asset mindset shifts. Free crypto basics at Khan Academy's finance section.
2. Focus on Utility Tokens Over Hype
   Daniel prioritized projects like XRP and Flare for real-world use, not memes. In 2025, these are gaining traction with ISO 20022 compliance.
   Actionable Steps:
   • Research 3-5 utility tokens: XRP (cross-border payments), HBAR (enterprise adoption), FLR (DeFi yields). Check current prices and news.
   • Buy your first $50-100 via a beginner-friendly exchange like Coinbase.
   • Resource: Visit ripple.com for XRP updates or hedera.com/roadmap for Hedera's vision. Track prices on CoinMarketCap.
3. Build Passive Income Through Staking
   Daniel compounded gains by staking, earning 5-15% yields during dips. Flare's incentives run through 2025.
   Actionable Steps:
   • Open a wallet like MetaMask or Ledger. Delegate tokens on Flare (flare.network/flaredrops) or stake HBAR via HashPack app.
   • Aim for 10% of your portfolio in yield-generating assets. Monitor APY weekly.
   • Resource: Guide to staking at stakingrewards.com. For Flare specifics, watch "Flare Crypto Explained" on YouTube.
4. Survive Volatility with DCA and No Leverage
   Daniel used hard-earned cash, DCA'd down, and avoided debt. This de-risked his journey.
   Actionable Steps:
   • Set up auto-buys: $25-50 bi-weekly into XRP or BTC on apps like Gemini.
   • Track in a simple spreadsheet: Entry prices, yields, and sell targets.
   • Resource: DCA calculator at dcabtc.com. Read "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel for volatility mindset.
5. Plan Your Exit and Pay It Forward
   Daniel's strategy: Sell small percentages on runs, reinvest wisely. Mentor others for community impact.
   Actionable Steps:
   • Set targets: e.g., sell 20% if XRP hits $5-10. Allocate to family needs, tithing, or real estate.
   • Join or start a dad-focused crypto group on Discord or local meetups.
   • Resource: Exit strategy tools at tradingview.com. For faith integration, check "Joseph: A Man of Integrity" studies online.
6. Embrace the Bigger Picture: Adoption and Stewardship
   With GENIUS Act enabling stablecoin-DeFi bridges and adoption rising (e.g., Hedera's AI partnerships), position for 2027.
   Actionable Steps:
   • Diversify: 70% long-term holds, 30% cycle plays. Monitor Bitcoin dominance on CoinGlass.
   • Pray and plan: How will gains fund your kids' education or family missions?
   • Resource: Updates on crypto regs at coindesk.com. For ISO 20022 coins, see tangem.com/blog/post/iso-compliant-cryptocurrencies/.

Conclusion: Your Turn to Change the Family Tree

Daniel's story proves that with faith, education, and smart strategies, dads can turn financial uncertainty into abundance. From his 80-cent XRP buys to 2025's market highs, it's about small beginnings and obedience. As Bitcoin eyes $200,000 by 2026 and utility tokens integrate globally, now's the time to act—but wisely.

Start today: Educate yourself, buy a little, and build passively. Your kids' future depends on it. Listen to the full Dad Ledger Episode 10 on YouTube, and join the conversation in the comments. What's your first step? Share in video comments below!