Decoding Bitcoin with Gerry Signorelli

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Decoding Bitcoin with Gerry Signorelli

We often get asked what is Bitcoin all about by our clients, and for good reason. The landscape of cryptocurrency is riddled with terms like “blockchain,” “mining,” “nodes,” and “wallets,” which can be confusing and create a steep learning curve. The underlying technology, though revolutionary, is not always straightforward, leading to questions about how it operates, its value proposition, and its role in the financial ecosystem. 

Gerry Signorelli has immersed himself into the world of Bitcoin, having built and operated a significant Bitcoin mine and integrated the digital currency into his daily life for various purposes, from savings to international transactions.

We were grateful to have Gerry on the most recent episode of The Field Guide Podcast to break down what is Bitcoin. He shares his extensive experience with the cryptocurrency, provides insights on its advantages over other cryptocurrencies, and discusses the essential role of nodes in maintaining the network’s decentralization. Gerry also addresses common concerns about Bitcoin’s security and its future potential, offering a comprehensive view of how Bitcoin operates.

A Journey from Stable Coins to Mining

Gerry’s foray into the financial world began with a quest for a saving mechanism, leading him from the realm of stablecoins to the discovery of Bitcoin. Despite experimenting with other cryptocurrencies, Gerry found his home with the currency, drawn by its fundamental differences, use cases, and the depth of its structure compared to the fleeting allure of ‘shitcoins.’

Why Bitcoin Stands Out

Bitcoin’s appeal lies in its foundational principles – scarcity, decentralization, and the prevention of censorship. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin’s limited supply, coupled with its robust and decentralized verification process, establishes it as a more stable and reliable digital asset. Gerry articulates the journey of money throughout human history, positioning Bitcoin as the latest evolution in this continuum, offering a digital solution to age-old problems of currency debasement and lack of control over personal wealth.

The Intricacies of  Mining

Mining is not just a business for Gerry; it’s a crucial component of Bitcoin’s infrastructure. He delves into the complexities of Bitcoin mining, explaining how it serves as a mechanism for distribution and validation within the network. The process, while energy and capital-intensive, is vital for the creation of new Bitcoins and securing the network against potential attacks.

Understanding Bitcoin Transactions

Transactions in Bitcoin are more than mere financial exchanges; they signify the transfer of control over the digital asset. Gerry discusses how these transactions occur on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and security without the need for intermediary validation.

The Role of Nodes in Decentralization

Brian and Gerry dive into the importance of nodes in the ecosystem. These nodes, which any individual can run, are the backbone of Bitcoin’s decentralization, ensuring that the network remains secure and operates without centralized control. They allow for a democratic verification process that aligns with the ethos of Bitcoin – providing a system where everyone has a say in its operation.

Bitcoin’s Safety and Accessibility

Addressing concerns about Bitcoin’s safety, Gerry outlines the spectrum of ways one can own Bitcoin, from ETFs to cold wallets, each offering different levels of security and convenience. The decentralized nature of Bitcoin, coupled with the ability for individuals to run nodes, ensures that the system remains robust against potential threats.

The Future Outlook

Gerry envisions a bright future for Bitcoin, predicting a significant increase in its value as more people, institutions, and governments recognize its potential. He foresees a world where Bitcoin facilitates freedom of transaction, protects against inflation, and offers a new standard of financial autonomy.

In summary, Gerry Signorelli’s insights into Bitcoin present a compelling narrative of its potential to revolutionize our financial landscape. From its role in savings and transactions to its fundamental principles of scarcity and decentralization, it stands as a beacon of financial innovation in the digital age. As we navigate the complexities of our global economy, Bitcoin offers a promising alternative, challenging traditional financial systems and offering a new paradigm for money in our increasingly digital world.

We hope you enjoyed this episode! Have more questions about Bitcoin or digital currencies? Feel free to reach out to us with any questions!  Be sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you listen!

Retirement vs. Inflation

How to protect your retirement from inflation 

 

It’s the ultimate battle of good vs evil. Retirement vs. Inflation. Inflation is the arch-enemy of your retirement savings and if you’re near retirement – or even thinking about it – now is a good time to pay particularly close attention to your money.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Press Release on January 12, 2022, it is clear that prices are rising and inflation is here. Overall, prices have climbed 7% year over year which is the greatest increase in over 40 years. Truly there is no other topic that seems to be getting more attention right now than inflation. 

On top of that, the pandemic has most certainly shaken the sense of security that Americans felt when it comes to their finances and a lot of people feel more vulnerable than they did two or three years ago. Even if you have been diligent about saving for retirement inflation can eat into your nest egg quickly.

 

Why Inflation Happens

 

Inflation is, oddly, both incredibly simple to understand and absurdly complicated. It is worth taking a pause and understanding why inflation is happening in the first place. 

In the simplest terms, inflation happens when prices broadly go up. In other words, the average price of everything is increasing (housing, food, gas, cars, etc.). Generally, it is not a bad thing, as wages also rise. Ideal inflation according to the U.S. Federal Reserve targets an annual inflation rate of 2%. Most policymakers believe it leads to a healthy economy. However, we are currently sitting at 7%. A bit off the mark is an understatement. Here is a visual to give you an idea of where we are in relation to just 10 years ago. 

Inflations Impact on Your Retirement

Source: US Inflation Calculator

 

Why is inflation so high right now?

 

Again, simply put…blame the pandemic. In response to the pandemic, the Fed started adding an unprecedented amount of money into the economy via emergency stimulus funds to quickly get the country out of the recession, plus they slashed interest rates. People started spending more and demand was up. Good, right?

Yet, months and months of this fueled inflation because supply wasn’t able to recover as fast. Take for example the automobile industry. Many auto-manufacturers shut down during the pandemic and were slow to get things moving again, some still are, mostly due to supply chain issues. It is a classic formula of high demand plus limited supply equals higher prices. 

Further, inflation is hard to predict because it depends on what people expect of inflation in the future. For example, if businesses expect higher prices and wages next year, they’ll raise prices now. If workers expect higher prices and wages next year, they’ll ask for higher wages now. So Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has long been calling the recent inflation “transitory”, meaning in other words, only a temporary correction of the pandemic. 

However, both Powell and Treasury Sectary Janet Yellen admitted last month (Decemebr 2021) that it is time to retire the term. So, prices will continue to go up and the government is finally admitting it. Now what? 

 

How to protect your retirement from inflation 

 

Maximize Social Security Benefits

 

With rising costs it may be hard to offset inflation with your traditional retirement benefits, such as social security. However, you can work to maximize your social security benefits by delaying them. Delayed Retirement Credits help you to increase your benefit by a certain percentage each month that you delay starting your benefits. If you can wait to start getting your social security checks until age 70 your monthly payments will be higher and will adjust to the annual cost of living when you do begin to take them. 

It is important for everyone to maximize their social security benefits. This is a small step that could potentially hedge off some inflation and help your retirement savings go a little further. 

 

Get aggressive with any Consumer Debt

 

The Feds have signaled it will aim to make some aggressive policy moves in response to the current situation. It is likely we may see as many as three rate hikes this year, two more next year, and another two in 2024. If you have any outstanding credit card debt now is the time to pay it down before interest rates go up. Any variable rate debt will get very pricey. If you cannot pay it off all at once, but you have good credit try and take advance of some zero to low-interest balance transfers. Doing this will help insulate you from the coming higher interest rates. 

 

Take advantage of lower mortgage interest rates now

 

While mortgage rates move based on long-term bond yields, a spike in consumer prices will certainly make a rise in mortgage rates more likely.  Right now mortgage rates are still low. If you have considered refinancing to a lower rate (or buying a new home) this is your sign to look into it further depending on the term left on your mortgage. If rates do go up, you may wish you would have done it sooner. Also, as mentioned above, if you have an adjustable home equity line it could be at risk for an increase. Call a mortgage broker today to see what options you have. 

 

Look at your portfolio and make adjustments as needed

 

As financial advisors, this is something we are watching closely. Here are some of the general recommendations we have, however, everyone’s financial situation is different so we recommend contacting us (or talking to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) before making any changes. Also, keep in mind if rates don’t go up like crazy these recommendations may not be the best and may underperform your hopes. 

First, at the very least, review your investment allocations. If you have bonds in your portfolio, we recommend short-term bond funds until interest rates go up. Ultimately these are going to be less risky with rising interest rates. While they may not have as much earning potential they can weather the inflation storm better. 

Also, with rising prices, finding stocks with dividends can add value to a portfolio. Think consumer-based large-cap stocks. Likewise, financial stocks also commonly benefit from higher prices and inflation. These types of investments may help keep pace during an inflationary environment.  

Finally, consider diversifying with Digital Assets, such as Bitcoin. Essentially, owning Bitcoin means you are betting against the world’s fiat currencies. Most major digital assets have a fixed number of coins or have capped the potential circulation growth. Interestingly, the infamous billionaire investor, Paul Tudor Jones, has even claimed that crypto protects better against inflation than gold. While there still may be limited evidence that crypto can hedge inflation and will cure all as it itself is often susceptible to market jitters, it certainly is worth looking into if it fits your risk tolerance and time horizons. 

Again, we emphasize not making any dramatic changes to your investments until you’ve consulted with a professional. Our experience has taught us that unforeseen events can happen and do happen, so it is best to stay diversified, rebalance as needed, and always come back to your long-term goals. We are happy to talk with you about your specific situation anytime. Schedule a call here.

 

In conclusion

 

Inflation can impact your retirement in a variety of ways. If you’re not on the right path to protect yourself against inflation it will be increasingly difficult for you to live comfortably when you can are no longer working. Adjusting your investment strategy, spending habits, and expectations to account for inflation is extremely important for retirees and those close to retirement.

3 Questions to ask before making any financial decision

 

Whether it is hiring a financial advisor, picking a mutual fund, or refinancing your mortgage it is a good idea to ask a lot of questions when it comes to your money. However, if you only ask a few, here are our top 3 questions to ask before making any financial decision.

 

What is the investment philosophy?

 

Make sure to ask yourself if the investment makes sense to you. It may be great for 99% of the population but is it a fit for you and your current situation. Does it match up with your risk tolerance and timeline?  Really take the time to contemplate this.  Further, do you understand it? Or is it too complex? Understanding this will help move you forward in a meaningful way.

 

Do I trust the person giving the advice or offering the investment?

 

Simply put, what is your gut telling you about who is behind this. What is the person’s credibility and credentials? Was it your cousin Eddie spouting off a stock tip at the family reunion? Or a longtime friend and financial advisor who has been in the industry for years? It may seem like a no-brainer to ask this question, but it is sometimes easy to get caught up in the hype of the product and the potential returns.

A quick way to tell if an advisor truly has your best interest in mind is if they are CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)- learn more on that here, but in short, it means they are a true fiduciary and must have your best interest in mind regardless of commissions. Trust is so important, don’t take it lightly.

 

What is the downside risk, and can I afford it?

 

What can you stand to lose? Sure, look at what the potential of the investment is, but don’t ignore the risk. Make sure the amount you invest matches your risk tolerance. The old saying stands true here- “Don’t put all your eggs into one basket.”  Before you make an investment decision know the risks.

Short and simple, those are the top 3 questions to ask before making any financial decision!

Are you considering an investment and aren’t sure if it is right for you? Asked these questions and are still unsure? We are here to help…just give us a call.

 

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