Over the past 30 days, I decided to experiment with crypto investing by purchasing $1 worth of cryptocurrency each night. While the amount was small, the lessons I gained were significant. By the end, I had 30 different cryptocurrencies in my portfolio. What I didn’t anticipate was the level of volatility this strategy would introduce, even as I aimed for diversification.

Here’s what I learned:

The Pitfalls of Over-Diversification

At first, spreading my investments across various coins seemed like a good idea. Diversification is often recommended in traditional investing to manage risk. However, in the crypto world, this approach didn’t work as well as I’d hoped.

Some of the coins I bought were relatively stable, while others fluctuated wildly. Every time I added a new coin, my portfolio’s overall value often dipped due to the volatility of speculative assets. The experiment highlighted that not all coins are equal—some have strong fundamentals, while others are highly speculative. In the crypto market, volatility can overshadow the benefits of diversification, especially when mixing stablecoins with unpredictable assets.

A More Structured Approach: The Three Portfolios Strategy

From this experience, I developed a more strategic way to manage crypto investments: dividing assets into three distinct portfolios. Each would serve a unique purpose:

1. Stable Portfolio

This would consist of stablecoins like USDT, USDC, or DAI. These assets are pegged to fiat currencies, providing stability and preserving value over time.

2. High-Risk, High-Reward Portfolio

This portfolio would include coins with high growth potential but significant volatility. While risky, these assets offer the chance for substantial returns. This is ideal for those willing to take calculated risks.

3. Balanced Portfolio

A mix of stablecoins and volatile assets, this portfolio would aim to balance risk and reward. It provides growth potential while reducing the impact of sharp price swings.

The Importance of Risk Management in Crypto

One of the key takeaways from my experiment is the importance of managing risk. Every coin carries a unique level of risk, which can evolve over time. Successful investing isn’t just about the amount you invest—it’s about understanding and mitigating risks effectively.

Risk Management Formula:

Risk = (Potential Volatility) x (Amount Invested)

Here, potential volatility refers to how much a coin’s price can fluctuate, while the amount invested is your capital allocation. High volatility equals higher risk, making it essential to balance your portfolio with both stablecoins and speculative assets.

A Smarter Way to Invest in Crypto

Reflecting on my 30-day journey, I’ve learned that creating a diversified yet structured portfolio is critical for long-term success. By dividing investments into stable, high-risk, and balanced categories, I could have managed my portfolio more effectively.

The key to crypto investing is not just spreading your money across coins—it’s understanding their fundamentals and aligning them with your risk tolerance. Staying informed about market trends and adopting a balanced approach are vital steps toward a sustainable investment strategy.

Curious about which coins I invested in or my top picks for a stable portfolio? Let me know! Follow for Part 2.