Fomo Investing: A Practical Guideline for meme coins

Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Meme Coins

Meme coins, often driven by humor and internet culture, have captivated investors with their viral appeal and explosive growth potential. However, they also come with heightened risks, making due diligence critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the meme coin landscape effectively.


1. Understand Meme Coins

Why It’s Important: Meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) differ from traditional cryptocurrencies. Their value is often driven by community support, social media trends, and speculation rather than utility.

  • Recognize the Hype Cycle: Meme coins gain traction through viral moments but can crash as quickly as they rise.
  • Differentiate from Utility Tokens: Meme coins often lack significant use cases, making them speculative investments.

👉 CoinDesk – Meme Coins
👉 CryptoSlate – Meme Coin Trends


2. Define Your Goals

Why It’s Important: Meme coins are high-risk investments. Clarifying your objectives ensures your approach aligns with your financial strategy.

Are You Looking For?

  • Short-term gains through speculation.
  • Long-term potential if the project evolves into a utility token.
  • Community engagement and participation in a viral trend.

3. Research the Coin’s Origins

Why It’s Important: Understanding a coin’s background provides insights into its legitimacy and growth potential.

Questions to Ask:

  • Who created the coin? Is the team credible and transparent?
  • What is the purpose of the coin? Is it purely speculative, or does it have a roadmap for development?
  • How is the coin marketed? Excessive hype with unrealistic promises can be a red flag.

4. Analyze the Tokenomics

Why It’s Important: Tokenomics determine the coin’s supply, demand, and long-term sustainability.

Key Metrics to Evaluate:

  • Total Supply: Coins with an unlimited supply (e.g., DOGE) can face inflationary pressures.
  • Distribution: Check for whales (large holders) who can manipulate the market.
  • Burn Mechanisms: Does the coin have measures to reduce supply over time?

👉 CoinMarketCap
👉 CoinGecko


5. Assess Community and Social Media Activity

Why It’s Important: Meme coins thrive on community support and social media buzz.

Indicators to Watch:

  • Engagement Levels: Active discussions on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Telegram.
  • Influencer Involvement: Are reputable influencers supporting the coin, or is it hyped by unknown figures?
  • Sentiment Analysis: Tools like LunarCrush can help gauge community sentiment.

👉 LunarCrush
👉 Reddit – Crypto


6. Examine the Platform and Launch Mechanism

Why It’s Important: Where and how a meme coin is launched can indicate its legitimacy.

Red Flags:

  • Platform Choice: Was it launched on reputable platforms (e.g., Binance, Ethereum, or Solana)?
  • Initial Liquidity: A lack of liquidity can lead to pump-and-dump schemes.
  • Smart Contract Security: Look for audits from credible firms like CertiK or PeckShield.

👉 CertiK
👉 PeckShield


7. Check for Real-World Use Cases

Why It’s Important: A coin with utility beyond memes is more likely to sustain value over time.

Examples of Utility:

  • Payment Options: Can the coin be used for purchases or donations?
  • Integration with Platforms: Partnerships with gaming or entertainment platforms.
  • Ecosystem Growth: Plans for decentralized applications (dApps) or DeFi integration.

8. Diversify Your Investments

Why It’s Important: Meme coins are volatile. Diversification reduces risk.

Suggested Allocation:

  • 70% in established cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  • 20% in mid-cap altcoins with strong fundamentals.
  • 10% in meme coins for speculative growth.

👉 Investopedia – Crypto Diversification


9. Be Skeptical of Promises

Why It’s Important: Meme coin scams often rely on exaggerated claims to lure investors.

Common Scams:

  • Guaranteed Returns: No investment is risk-free.
  • Celebrity Endorsements: Verify authenticity; many are paid promotions.
  • Roadmap Promises: Ensure there’s a detailed and realistic development plan.

10. Stay Updated on Regulations

Why It’s Important: Regulatory changes can impact meme coin investments.

Current Trends:

  • Countries like the U.S. and U.K. are increasing scrutiny of meme coins and platforms.
  • Platforms like Pump.fun have faced regulatory action for enabling manipulative tactics.

👉 FCA – Cryptocurrency Warnings
👉 SEC – Cryptocurrency Reports
👉 Reuters – Crypto Fraud
👉 WIRED – Cryptocurrency Scams


11. Develop an Exit Strategy

Why It’s Important: Knowing when to sell protects your profits and limits losses.

Tips for Exiting:

  • Set Price Targets: Define profit-taking and stop-loss levels.
  • Watch for Hype Peaks: Sell during periods of heightened excitement before a potential crash.
  • Use Trailing Stops: Automatically sell if the price drops by a certain percentage.

👉 TradingView
👉 Binance Academy – Exit Strategies


12. Leverage Analytical Tools

Why It’s Important: Data-driven insights improve decision-making.

Recommended Tools:

  • CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap for market data.
  • Glassnode for on-chain analytics.
  • TradingView for chart analysis.

👉 Glassnode
👉 Santiment


Final Reminders and Best Practices

  • Stay Emotionally Disciplined: Avoid acting on hype or fear without verifying information.
  • Join Reputable Communities: Engage on trusted platforms like Reddit and Telegram, but verify sources.
  • Educate Yourself Continuously: Stay updated with news from trusted outlets and research firms.
  • Beware of Scams: Be cautious of phishing websites, unsolicited messages, and too-good-to-be-true offers.
  • Treat Meme Coins as Speculative Plays: Allocate only a small portion of your portfolio and prepare for potential losses.

Conclusion

Meme coins offer a unique opportunity to capitalize on internet culture and community-driven growth. However, they also carry heightened risks and speculative characteristics. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the meme coin landscape with confidence, armed with the tools and insights to make informed decisions.

Remember: The crypto market is a marathon, not a sprint. Approach each investment with patience, caution, and a well-defined strategy to maximize your potential for success.

Happy investing!

Painful losses – Part of the big Scam

Welcome to the circus of modern finance, where the clowns wear expensive suits and the tricks cost you more than a ticket to the show. From the glittering promises of meme coins to private equity disasters and the chaos of stock crashes and hype nosedive, the financial world has become a playground for the bold, the shady, and the downright deceptive.

We’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill mistakes here. We’re digging into the realm of rug pulls that make you question your optimism, shady characters posing as charletans and some other financial advisors of the world selling dreams wrapped in clichés, and Investment loan schemes that are about as stable as a sandcastle in a storm. It’s a masterpiece of manipulation, where you don’t just lose money, you lose faith in the whole system.

Strap in, because we’re unpacking the scams, the fails, and the characters who have turned “investor” into a synonym for “target.” Let’s expose the playbook they don’t want you to see.


Cryptos & Hypes

The Trump Coin Mirage: How $TRUMP Spells Risk, Not Revolution

The Cult of Hype: Picture this: The crypto world, buzzing with the latest spectacle $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins. Their creators would have you believe they’re the cultural currency of a generation, a digital tribute to the Trump legacy that doubles as a “can’t-miss investment opportunity.”

Let’s not mince words. If naming a coin after a political figure screams innovation to you, I’ve got a sharpie-drawn hurricane map to sell you.

Here’s the harsh reality: these coins are nothing but a mirage in the desert of speculative investments.

Why $TRUMP Is a Risky Gamble

1. Concentration of Ownership: The Recipe for Manipulation

$TRUMP coins are predominantly held by Trump-affiliated entities and insiders. According to blockchain analytics, over 85% of the total supply is owned by fewer than 20 wallets—most linked to the coin’s creators.

Think about it. This isn’t decentralization; it’s more like a casino where the house owns the jackpot and you’re just a bystander funding the chandelier upgrades.

👉 Case in point: Dogecoin’s largest wallet holds 28% of its supply. Even that’s enough to spook investors. Now multiply that risk by three, and you’ve got $TRUMP.

2. Market Volatility: The Meme Coin Epidemic

Meme coins thrive on hype, not utility, and $TRUMP is no exception. Initial coin offerings (ICOs) for $TRUMP and $MELANIA launched with flashy headlines but zero tangible use cases.

🔍 Numbers don’t lie:

  • Dogecoin’s price surged 12,000% in 2021, only to lose 85% of its value within months.
  • Shiba Inu followed suit, with a 92% drop from its all-time high.

What’s different here? Absolutely nothing, except maybe the promise of “Make Crypto Great Again.” Spoiler: it’s not working.

3. Pump-and-Dump Allegations: A Tale as Old as Crypto

Let’s dissect the playbook:

  1. Announce a flashy ICO.
  2. Pump up the value with well-timed tweets and celebrity endorsements.
  3. Watch as insiders sell off, leaving everyday investors holding worthless bags.

Sound familiar? The $TRUMP coin rollout checks every box. While the coin’s marketing screamed patriotism, its mechanics whispered Ponzi.

👉 Red flag: The ICO raised $12 million in a week, but subsequent trades showed irregular patterns of bulk selling, typical of pump-and-dump schemes.

What It Says About the Market: Meme Coins Over Meaning

If $TRUMP tells us anything, it’s that speculative mania still dominates the crypto market. Instead of funding groundbreaking blockchain tech or solving real-world problems, investors are chasing meme coins for their 15 minutes of fame.

It’s not just about $TRUMP. This is about a culture where flashy branding outshines financial fundamentals. When you invest in hype, you’re not just gambling—you’re paying for someone else’s golden parachute.

Conclusion: The Illusion of Prestige

$TRUMP coins may promise cultural relevance, but let’s be real: They’re nothing more than a digital grift with a familiar name attached.

So, when history writes about the Trump legacy, will $TRUMP coins be a defining chapter? Probably not, unless you count them as a footnote in a story about speculative greed.

Final Thought: Investing in $TRUMP is like buying bottled air at a Trump rally, it’s overpriced, overhyped, and ultimately leaves you gasping.

👉 Pro Tip: Stick to assets with utility, transparency, and real-world value. Leave the meme coins to the gamblers.


$MELANIA Coin: When Crypto Meets Celebrity, Investors Lose

Introduction: Glamour and Greed: The announcement of the $MELANIA coin made headlines with its luxury branding narrative and aspirational promises. But behind the glitz lies a sobering truth about how meme coins capitalize on hype and gullible investors.

Let’s call it what it is: a First Lady of crypto, or just another crypto first?

The Risks Behind the Shine
1. The Perfect Distraction

$MELANIA’s launch couldn’t have come at a better time for the Trump ecosystem. With $TRUMP coin facing scrutiny and stagnation, $MELANIA arrived like a shiny new decoy. It’s almost poetic: while one coin struggled, the other flourished momentarily, giving its backers just enough time to cash in on the next wave of FOMO.
Dark humor moment: “A tale of two coins and one shared agenda because why milk one cash cow when you can have two?”

2. Emotional Investing: The Danger of Celebrity Endorsements

Investors love a good story, and what better tale than a coin tied to a former First Lady? The glamour of the Trump name lured in emotional investors who wanted to believe in the coin’s narrative, ignoring the cold, hard facts.

It’s not the first time this has happened:

  • Kim Kardashian faced SEC charges over promoting a cryptocurrency.
  • Floyd Mayweather was fined for failing to disclose payments for crypto endorsements.

These cautionary tales are lost in the noise of celebrity influence, and $MELANIA is no exception.

3. The Conflict of Interest: A Family Affair
There’s something unsettling about the Trump family turning their political legacy into a crypto hustle. From $TRUMP to $MELANIA, these coins aren’t just about financial ventures—they’re about monetizing influence.

Ethical implications abound:

  • Transparency: Were these coins created with genuine value in mind or simply to profit off their names?
  • Investor Trust: How do investors reconcile their belief in a political movement with the risks of meme coin volatility?

The overlap between family branding and speculative crypto investments raises more questions than answers.

4. The Economics of Vanity Projects

$MELANIA’s trajectory is a classic meme coin story:

  1. Rapid rise fueled by hype.
  2. Stagnation as the lack of a real use case becomes evident.
  3. A slow descent into irrelevance—or worse, collapse.

Without tangible utility, $MELANIA exists solely as a vanity project. Sure, it sparkled for a moment, but glitter fades, and so do meme coin valuations.

Conclusion: Meme Coins Aren’t Movements

In the world of cryptocurrency, the line between innovation and absurdity is thin. $MELANIA coin falls squarely into the latter category, serving as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold—or even blockchain.

Because nothing screams financial revolution like investing in the vanity project of someone whose job was once…decorating the White House Christmas tree.


What If Your Crypto Investment Was Just a Trap? Lessons from Gen Z Quant Token and Pump.fun

Imagine investing in a cryptocurrency token, only to discover it was designed to collapse after artificially inflating its value. This grim scenario has become a recurring reality for many investors, as pump-and-dump schemes plague the market. The latest incidents on platforms like Pump.fun and the notorious Gen Z Quant Token highlight the perils of unchecked speculation and manipulation.

Pump.fun: Innovation Turned Manipulation

Launched in January 2024, Pump.fun sought to democratize cryptocurrency creation, enabling users to launch tokens without technical expertise. By December 2024, over 2.4 million unique tokens had been created on the platform. However, behind this façade of innovation lay alarming realities:

  • 98.5% of tokens failed to list on decentralized exchanges, leaving investors with worthless assets.
  • The platform’s livestreaming feature, intended to promote token launches, devolved into a tool for unethical practices. Developers exploited the feature to hype tokens and orchestrate manipulative tactics, creating a breeding ground for pump-and-dump schemes.

Regulatory and community backlash led Pump.fun to disable its livestreaming feature in November 2024. The repercussions were swift:

  • Daily token creation dropped by 50%.
  • Active users declined by 69.4%, signaling a crisis of trust.
  • Weekly revenues plummeted below $2 million for the first time since launch. (Source: CryptoSlate)
  1. The teenager launched the token on Pump.fun, streaming its debut to attract investors.
  2. He bought 51 million units of the token, controlling its supply.
  3. After the token’s value surged, he conducted a soft rug pull, cashing out $50,000 within hours. (Source: Wired)

  • Investors, unaware of the manipulation, faced significant losses.
  • The teenager faced doxing, threats, and backlash but continued creating new tokens, profiting further.
  • The incident underscored the lack of deterrence for such fraudulent activities.

Regulatory Actions: Fighting Back Against Fraud

In response to rising fraud, authorities intensified crackdowns on crypto-related crimes. Notable cases include:

U.S. Regulatory Crackdown

In October 2024, U.S. authorities charged three companies and 15 individuals with market manipulation.

  • The FBI utilized a digital token to infiltrate and uncover fraudulent schemes.
  • The operation resulted in four arrests, five plea agreements, and the seizure of over $25 million worth of cryptocurrency. (Source: Reuters)

UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Warnings

The FCA flagged platforms operating without proper authorization, citing risks to consumer protection.

Lessons for Crypto Investors

These incidents reveal recurring patterns and offer critical lessons for investors navigating the volatile cryptocurrency market:

1. Be Wary of Hype-Driven Platforms

Platforms like Pump.fun, with features promoting token speculation, can attract unethical actors.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

Scrutinize a token’s use case, development team, and market presence. Avoid projects with anonymous teams or vague objectives.

3. Beware of Unrealistic Promises

Tokens offering outsized returns often lack sustainable value or transparent governance.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Market Integrity

Pump-and-dump schemes like these damage market confidence and investor trust, underscoring the urgent need for systemic safeguards.

1. Stronger Regulatory Frameworks

Authorities must continue to tighten oversight and enforce compliance to deter fraudulent activities.

2. Community Vigilance

Investors should adopt a healthy skepticism toward speculative tokens and demand transparency in all crypto projects.

Closing Though

The cryptocurrency market offers immense opportunities but comes with significant risks. As demonstrated by the Pump.fun platform and the Gen Z Quant Token scandal, vigilance and informed decision-making are non-negotiable.

Before investing, ask yourself:

  • Is the project transparent about its objectives and financials?
  • Does it have a legitimate use case supported by credible developers?
  • Are regulatory safeguards in place to protect your investment?

In a market where innovation and exploitation coexist, your best defense is due diligence and a commitment to informed skepticism.

here is a guideline for your meme coin investment decisions



Private Equity:

What If I Told You a Billions of Dollars Vanished Overnight? Lessons from Finablr’s Collapse

Imagine trusting a company listed on a prestigious stock exchange, only to discover its financials were a ticking time bomb. This isn’t fiction; it’s the story of Finablr, a UAE financial services giant that collapsed in 2020, exposing over $1 billion in hidden debt and leaving investors blindsided.

Let’s dissect what went wrong and extract the lessons every investor needs to learn.

What Happened?

1. The $1 Billion Debt Bombshell
In April 2020, Finablr disclosed over $1 billion in previously hidden liabilities. These debts weren’t reflected in their financial statements, misleading stakeholders into believing the company was financially stable.

To put this into perspective:

  • This undisclosed debt accounted for nearly 30% of Finablr’s reported total assets of $3.33 billion in 2018.
  • The company had reported a net profit of $183.2 million in the same year, numbers that now appear dubious in hindsight.
    Source: Gulf Business

2. The Role of Ernst & Young (EY)
EY, Finablr’s auditor, failed to uncover these liabilities. Despite its reputation as one of the “Big Four” audit firms, EY’s oversight calls into question the reliability of traditional auditing methods when faced with complex financial structures.
Beyond Business – Auditing Oversight

3. Mismanagement and Allegations
BR Shetty, the founder of Finablr, faced allegations of financial mismanagement, including improper fund transfers and falsified transactions. Reports suggested that funds were siphoned off to other entities linked to Shetty, eroding the company’s financial stability.
Source: Arabian Business

4. Trading Suspension and Subsidiary Collapse
By April 2020, Finablr’s shares were suspended from trading on the London Stock Exchange, and its key subsidiary, UAE Exchange, was taken over by the UAE Central Bank. The suspension came after shares had already plummeted by over 90%, wiping out billions in market value.
Source: Wikipedia

Why Did No One See It Coming?

Complex Corporate Structure
Finablr’s network of subsidiaries and opaque financial arrangements created layers of complexity that masked its true financial health. For instance:

  • The company operated across 45 countries with over 25 subsidiaries, making it difficult for investors to trace liabilities.

False Transparency
Being listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2019 provided Finablr with an air of legitimacy, even as its financial irregularities went unnoticed. The IPO raised $400 million, funds that were later found to be insufficient to cover mounting liabilities.

Regulatory Delays

Despite early warning signs, regulatory bodies struggled to act promptly, allowing Finablr’s financial mismanagement to escalate unchecked. By the time the UAE Central Bank intervened, the damage was irreversible, with billions wiped out in market value and investor trust eroded.

Key Insights from Credible Sources:

  • Reuters: Broader context on regulatory responses revealed systemic challenges in oversight, highlighting how delayed interventions amplify risks.
    👉 Regulatory Gaps and Financial Market Impact
  • Financial Times: Coverage emphasized the lack of stringent corporate governance standards and auditing frameworks, a recurring issue in the global financial sector.
    👉 Corporate Governance in Financial Services
  • Bloomberg: Detailed analysis of Finablr’s operational complexities showed how its multi-layered structure contributed to regulatory blind spots, exacerbating the crisis.
    👉 Finablr’s Operational Failures

The Fallout for Investors

Finablr’s collapse was catastrophic for its stakeholders:

  • Private Equity Investors: Major investors, including global private equity firms, faced losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • Market Confidence: The scandal eroded trust in UAE’s financial services sector, highlighting gaps in corporate governance.

Lessons Learned

1. Enhanced Due Diligence
Investors must go beyond standard audits and implement forensic accounting practices. For example:

  • Conducting independent audits of subsidiaries.
  • Reviewing off-balance-sheet liabilities.

2. Transparency is Non-Negotiable
Financial statements must provide clear, comprehensive disclosures of all liabilities. Anything less should raise red flags.

3. Strengthened Regulatory Oversight
Regulators need to enforce stricter compliance standards. In Finablr’s case, early intervention could have prevented significant losses.

4. Don’t Be Blinded by Prestige
A listing on a reputable stock exchange doesn’t guarantee financial integrity. Trust should be verified, not assumed.

The Bigger Picture

Finablr’s collapse wasn’t just a corporate failure, it was a systemic breakdown involving inadequate governance, poor regulatory oversight, and misplaced investor trust.

Here’s the takeaway:

  • Complexity can be a smokescreen for instability.
  • Auditors and regulators aren’t infallible.
  • As an investor, you have to ask tough questions and dig deeper.

Closing Thought

The next time you’re evaluating an investment, ask yourself:

  1. Are the financials transparent and complete?
  2. Is the company’s structure straightforward, or unnecessarily complex?
  3. Are regulators and auditors doing enough to safeguard your interests?

In a world where $1 billion can vanish overnight, diligence is essential. Let Finablr’s story serve as a reminder to always prioritize scrutiny over assumptions.

Here is a Guide for Investing in Private Equity


Equities & Hypes

The Quantum Gamble: Why IonQ Is Still a Risky Bet [Date: 08/01/2025] price: $48 per share.

The allure of quantum computing is undeniable. The technology promises to revolutionize industries from healthcare to finance, but not every investment opportunity in this nascent sector is worth the risk in time. IonQ (NYSE:IONQ), a leading quantum computing company, is a case in point. Despite its groundbreaking innovations, the company’s sky-high valuation and speculative future make it a precarious investment. Here’s why IonQ may not deliver the returns investors hope for—at least in the medium term 3-5 years.

The Quantum Bubble: A 21st-Century Tulip Mania?

Investors’ enthusiasm for quantum stocks resembles the speculative frenzy of the Dutch Tulip Mania in the 17th century. Unlike tulips, quantum computing has real potential, but the current hype has driven valuations far beyond their intrinsic value. With a Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio of nearly 190, IonQ’s stock reflects optimism that its revenue growth may not justify in the foreseeable future.

For comparison, even NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA)—a tech titan with explosive growth and proven profitability—has never seen its P/S ratio exceed 50 in recent years. This disparity underscores the speculative nature of IonQ’s valuation.

The Good: Innovation and Strong Financial Position

  1. Technological Edge
    IonQ’s flagship system, the IonQ Forte, features 36 algorithmic qubits capable of exploring over 68 billion possibilities simultaneously. This positions the company as a leader in quantum computing innovation, with potential applications in artificial intelligence, logistics, and healthcare.
  2. Financial Buffer
    • Minimal Debt: IonQ boasts a debt-to-equity ratio of just 0.04, providing financial flexibility.
    • Cash Reserves: With $365.7 million in cash and short-term investments, the company has a runway of approximately two years, based on its annual operating expenses of $228.3 million.

The Bad: Valuation and Dilution Risks

  1. Equity Dilution
    IonQ’s diluted shares outstanding have surged from 4 million in 2019 to nearly 210 million in 2024, and this trend is likely to continue. By 2030, the share count could exceed 350 million, diluting current shareholders’ stakes and limiting price appreciation.
  2. Negative Margin of Safety
    • Intrinsic Market Cap (2030): Assuming $750 million in revenue and a P/S ratio of 30, IonQ’s projected market cap would be $22.5 billion.
    • Present Value (Discounted at 22%): The implied intrinsic market cap today is $6.8 billion, compared to its current market cap of $7.3 billion. This yields a negative margin of safety of -6.85%.
    • Post-Dilution Intrinsic Stock Price (2030): After accounting for dilution, the intrinsic stock price could be $19.43, far below its current price of $48.25.
  3. No Near-Term Profitability
    Profitability hinges on achieving “quantum advantage” around 2030. Until then, IonQ will likely remain reliant on external funding, compounding dilution risks.
  1. Valuation Discipline
    With a P/S ratio of 190, IonQ is priced for perfection. Even optimistic growth scenarios struggle to justify its current valuation. A more reasonable entry point would involve a P/S ratio closer to 50 or below. making the fair value for the share around 14.5 to 19$ per share
  2. Focus on Dilution
    Equity dilution significantly impacts long-term returns. Prospective investors should monitor IonQ’s share issuance closely.
  3. Think Long-Term (with Caution)
    While IonQ’s potential is undeniable, the path to profitability is fraught with risks. For long-term investors willing to wait until 2030 or beyond, the rewards could be substantial—but only if the company delivers on its ambitious promises.

Conclusion: A Hold or a Sell?

IonQ represents a speculative bet on a revolutionary technology, but its current valuation leaves little room for error. Even with strong technological innovation and a solid cash position, the risks—ranging from equity dilution to prolonged unprofitability—far outweigh the potential rewards at today’s prices. Investors are advised to adopt a cautious approach, waiting for more attractive entry points or focusing on less speculative opportunities in the tech sector.

In a market driven by hype, the smart move is to separate potential from price and, for now, IonQ’s price just doesn’t add up.



Rigetti Computing: When Hype Meets Reality

Current price is 12.86$, Date of this Analysis 8 January, 2025

The quantum bubble burst hard and fast, thanks to Nvidia’s boss, Jensen Huang. Rigetti Computing (RGTI) saw its stock nosedive nearly 50% in just 24 hours after Huang threw a wet blanket on the quantum dream, predicting meaningful scalability could still be two decades away. Ouch.

Let’s break it down. Before the crash, Rigetti’s price-to-sales (P/S) ratio was an eye-popping 250. For reference, that’s a “what were they thinking?” level of speculation. Post-crash, it’s still floating at an irrational 130. Even Nvidia, with its meteoric revenue growth, doesn’t command a P/S ratio beyond 50. So, why is Rigetti being priced like it’s selling gold-plated qubits tomorrow? Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Quantum Hype vs. Hard Truths

Here’s the thing, quantum computing is undoubtedly revolutionary. It could rewrite the rules of computing as we know it. But that future isn’t next week or even next decade. Rigetti’s fundamentals don’t justify the hype. Sure, they’re a leader in quantum computing-as-a-service and boast some impressive tech, but a year-over-year revenue decline in the last two years isn’t exactly screaming “next big thing.”

Even if Rigetti manages to hit $75 million in revenue in five years (a solid compound annual growth rate of 44.5%), its valuation is still disconnected from reality. Compare it to Nvidia, which enjoys triple-digit growth and still plays it cool with a P/S ratio under 50.
Rigetti? It’s all speculative fluff, and we know how the markets handle that cue the crash.

The Valuation Reality Check

So, what’s Rigetti really worth? Let’s say $595 million tops, pegged to a reasonable P/S ratio of 50. Compare that to its current market cap of $1.95 billion, and you’re staring at a hefty 69.5% margin of safety, in the wrong direction.

Translation: steer clear.

Long Road Ahead

Quantum computing isn’t even in its “teen years.” The tech is stuck in what’s called the “noisy intermediate-scale quantum” phase until at least 2030. Practical, scalable quantum computers? Not until after 2040. That means Rigetti’s growth story is a marathon, not a sprint, with plenty of potholes along the way.

Even if you’re a long-term optimist, the ride will be bumpy. Revenue volatility, continued dilution, and the need for external funding spell turbulence for years. The smarter play? Wait until the hype dies down and valuations make sense.

The Bottom Line

Huang’s blunt truth bomb was a wake-up call. Quantum computing might be the next AI-like revolution, but betting on Rigetti at this stage feels like gambling on a lottery ticket. Sure, the quantum industry is worth watching, but investing here requires patience and, frankly, a better entry point.
For now, Rigetti is a “strong sell.”


Shady Charlatans

The Perpetual Prophet of Doom: Robert Kiyosaki

In the world of personal finance, there are gurus, and then there’s Robert Kiyosaki, the man who turned financial advice into a global franchise. Whether you know him as the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad or as the guy constantly predicting market crashes, Kiyosaki’s name is synonymous with bold claims and even bolder storytelling.

Let’s take a closer look at the myth, the man, and the reality behind the perpetual prophet of doom.

1. The “Rich Dad Poor Dad” Mystery: Fact or Fiction?

For millions, Rich Dad Poor Dad is the holy grail of financial enlightenment. The book’s premise comparing the money philosophies of two father figures catapulted Kiyosaki into global fame. Yet, there’s one lingering question: was the “rich dad” even real?

Critics have poked holes in this story for years, questioning the existence of the supposed financial sage. Kiyosaki’s vague answers only added fuel to the fire. While the late Hawaiian hotel developer Richard Kimi was eventually named as the “rich dad,” the doubts never fully faded. Combine this with the book’s striking similarity to George S. Clason’s The Richest Man in Babylon, and the originality of Kiyosaki’s financial gospel becomes murkier than a dirty stock chart.


2. The Market Crash Alarmist

If there’s one thing Robert Kiyosaki loves more than passive income, it’s predicting doom. Whether it’s a looming recession, a stock market collapse, or a real estate implosion, his warnings come with clockwork regularity—and often, they miss the mark.

Take 2017, for example. Kiyosaki loudly predicted a real estate crash. Instead of spiraling downward, the market soared, leaving his ominous forecasts looking more like guesswork than genius.

Fast forward to 2023, and the pattern remains intact. In July, Kiyosaki warned of a severe stock market crash, urging caution for those holding stocks and bonds (Money Stocker). By December, he doubled down, claiming that a major financial collapse was already underway and advising people to pull cash from banks to prepare for the worst (U.S. News Money).

The results? The S&P 500 soared by 28% in 2024, defying his doomsday predictions and demonstrating the resilience of the market (Moneywise).

Not to be deterred by missed calls, Kiyosaki entered 2025 with yet another bold declaration: a global crash had begun. As usual, he pivoted to his go-to investment safe havens—gold, silver, and Bitcoin (Finbold). In his latest twist, he even projected that Bitcoin could skyrocket to $175,000–$350,000, describing it as the ultimate hedge against economic turmoil (The Currency Analytics).

While market cycles naturally include downturns, Kiyosaki’s approach often lacks nuance or detailed analysis, raising questions about the reliability of his forecasts and, more importantly, whose agenda he’s serving. Screaming “the end is near” every year may grab headlines, but it doesn’t provide actionable insights for those navigating real financial challenges.

It begs the question: Is Kiyosaki a misunderstood visionary, or is his alarmism merely a tool to push his personal brand and products? Either way, the lesson here is clear: don’t buy into the fear without doing your own homework.

3. The Inflated Persona

Kiyosaki has built an empire of financial education products, from books to seminars to a board game that might teach you about money, if you’re lucky. Yet, for all his influence, his advice often comes off as oversimplified or even outdated.

While he undoubtedly knows how to sell an idea, Kiyosaki’s image as a financial mastermind often overshadows the lack of depth in his content. His advice, focused heavily on real estate and assets, isn’t wrong, but it lacks the rigor of more nuanced strategies offered by experienced financial planners.

4. The Cult of Kiyosaki

Here’s where things get dicey. Kiyosaki’s army of devoted followers treat his every word like gospel, often parroting his catchphrases without fully understanding their implications. This blind faith can lead to reckless financial decisions like overleveraging for real estate investments or obsessing over gold and crypto while ignoring basic principles like diversification and risk management.

The fervor surrounding Kiyosaki isn’t just about his teachings; it’s a phenomenon in itself. People love a confident, straightforward leader, even when the advice is debatable.

A Balanced Perspective

To be fair, Kiyosaki’s work has inspired millions to rethink their relationship with money. That’s no small feat. Yet, it’s crucial to approach his teachings with caution. His relentless predictions of doom can obscure the cyclical nature of markets, and his anecdotes, whether fictionalized or not, shouldn’t replace solid financial research.

As with any financial advice, critical thinking is key. Don’t just take Kiyosaki’s word for it, or anyone’s, for that matter. Instead, diversify your knowledge, validate your sources, and remember that no single guru has all the answers.

Robert Kiyosaki may always be the guy yelling about the next crash, but whether he’s a visionary or just a loud voice in a crowded market is ultimately up to you to decide. Just don’t forget to do your homework and maybe hold off on buying that extra gold bar he keeps hyping.

Could Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple be a trap?

The Future of Cryptos and CBDCs: A Controlled Reset?

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP) have taken the financial world by storm, but what if they’re just pawns in a bigger game? The narrative looks increasingly like a setup for a global financial reset—one where cryptos crash and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) swoop in as the “savior.” Let’s explore how this could play out.


BTC, ETH, and Ripple: Innovation or Illusion?

Cryptocurrencies promised decentralization, financial freedom, and huge returns. However, scratch the surface and these digital assets may be more fragile than they seem. Here’s how each one could fall victim to a bigger plan:

BTC (Bitcoin): The Digital Gold Mirage

Bitcoin is often called “digital gold” for its scarcity and decentralized nature. But what happens if the internet crashes or governments decide to clamp down? Bitcoin’s strength relies on global internet infrastructure and government tolerance—two things that could change overnight. If a crash comes, Bitcoin’s price could vanish in seconds, leaving millions with nothing but digital dust.

ETH (Ethereum): Tech Innovation with a Weak Spot

Ethereum is praised for its smart contracts and ability to power decentralized applications (dApps). However, despite all the talk about decentralization, Ethereum still runs on internet-based infrastructure. In a major disruption, the entire Ethereum ecosystem could become unreachable. Its innovation is real, but its reliance on fragile systems exposes it to risks that could lead to the same collapse as Bitcoin.

Ripple (XRP): The Banker’s Crypto

Ripple was built to streamline cross-border payments and works closely with major financial institutions. This partnership makes it more centralized than Bitcoin or Ethereum, which comes with its own risks. The same institutions that make Ripple useful could one day decide to control it—or worse, abandon it in favor of a centralized alternative like a CBDC. In the long run, Ripple’s role may just be a precursor to complete government-backed digital currencies.


CBDCs: The Government’s Digital Savior

Now, let’s talk about the real game-changer—Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Governments around the world are developing CBDCs to replace cash with a digital currency that’s fully controlled by central banks. On the surface, they offer stability and the ability to ensure smoother financial transactions. But in reality, CBDCs offer something much more powerful—total control over the economy.

Imagine a system where every transaction is monitored, tracked, and, in some cases, controlled by the government. They could limit where and how you spend your money, enforce expiration dates on funds, or even freeze your assets if they deem it necessary. This isn’t just about innovation; it’s about creating a tool that grants absolute authority over financial behavior.


The Crash and the Reset: How It Could Unfold

Here’s how it could go down:

  1. The Hype and the Fall: Cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple see massive price increases, drawing in investors eager to capitalize on the promise of quick wealth. Everyone jumps in, much like the villagers chasing donkeys in the story. When the time is right, an event—whether it’s a regulatory crackdown, internet disruption, or coordinated government action—causes the entire market to crash. Investors, left holding digital assets, suddenly find themselves with nothing.
  2. Enter CBDCs: In the wake of the crypto crash, governments offer CBDCs as the solution. They’ll market them as stable, safe, and government-backed. People, desperate to preserve what’s left of their wealth, will flock to CBDCs. Little do they know, they’re trading away financial freedom for total government control.
  3. The Real Agenda: With CBDCs in place, governments can monitor, restrict, and manipulate every financial transaction. Your spending habits, savings, and investments will be visible and controllable. And just like that, we’ve entered a world where financial freedom is a thing of the past.

The Trader and the Donkeys: A Perfect Parallel

The story of the trader who bought and sold donkeys mirrors the crypto market perfectly. In the beginning, the trader offers attractive prices for donkeys, and people slowly start selling. As the price increases, the frenzy begins—everyone wants to sell their donkey to make a quick profit. Eventually, the trader and his assistant vanish, leaving the villagers with worthless donkeys and no money.

This is what’s happening with cryptos right now. We’re in the phase where prices keep climbing, and everyone’s trying to sell at the top. When the crash happens, just like the villagers, we’ll be left holding assets that no one wants.


Conclusion: The Future Is Controlled, Not Decentralized

As exciting as cryptocurrencies have been, the reality is that they could be part of a larger scheme to set up a global monetary reset. When the crash comes—and make no mistake, it will—the introduction of CBDCs will be framed as the solution. But CBDCs aren’t about freedom or financial innovation. They’re about control. With the rise of CBDCs, governments will have more power over your financial life than ever before. The future of money isn’t about decentralized cryptos; it’s about centralized, controlled digital currencies.

So, before you go all-in on cryptos, take a step back and consider what’s really at play here. Your wealth, your freedom, and your financial privacy are all on the line.

FTT – The Core Mistake

In the wake of the Luna collapse, which sent tremors through the Crypto Markets and destabilized the USDT’s peg to the USD, the FTT token experienced a similar downfall. These tokens, despite their mega cap status and significant heights, are not immune to risk, contrary to popular belief in the marketplace. I, Mohamad Mrad, have always emphasized the importance of understanding this inherent risk.

The FTT token, much like other mega cap coins, has gained acceptance within the community, making it easily liquidated due to its large trade volume. However, this does not negate the inherent risk involved. It is important to highlight that the concept of diversifying risk based on cap size—whether it’s mega cap, mid cap, or small cap—is a fallacy. Diversification of risk and exposure requires a more comprehensive approach than merely considering the cap size.

Historically, large companies, regardless of their market cap size, can and have disappeared. For instance, Kodak, once a giant in the camera business industry, lost its value and went out of business after missing the patent of digital imaging. The value of any circulating stock, coin, token, or NFT hinges on investors’ willingness to trade it. If this acceptability vanishes, the asset value can plummet to zero at an alarming speed.

This is true for all types of investments, including real estate, art, and collectibles. Mohamad Mrad has consistently emphasized this point in his financial advisories.

Let’s refocus on the FTT token. This token, considered the stable token on the FTX platform, is akin to the BNB on Binance. These tokens, developed a few years ago, have limited utility within their respective ecosystems, but can be traded across de-fi and ce-fi protocols. The value of these tokens is determined by the acceptability of users, traders, and investors. If this trust disappears, a frenzy selling activity can ensue, potentially driving the asset value to zero. This has happened to Luna, and now to FTT, and could happen to BNB or even USDT.

The equivalence of USDT to USD is not a divine decree but a product of people’s acceptance. If people stop accepting this, the pegging would break. This is not an isolated phenomenon. In the fiat world, political agreements often determine currency stability. For example, the AED is pegged to the USD, and the Lebanese pound was pegged to the American dollar. However, when the value discrepancy became untenable, the pegging was broken, and the value started floating, subject to demand and supply.

The stability of currencies is largely dependent on capital adequacy, or the asset backing a currency. For USDT to be equivalent to USD, it must be backed by an adequate reserve of the USD. The same applies to BNB, unless Binance shows its backing. If that reserve does not exist, the chances of collapse are significant. In the case of FTT, due to excess leveraging and the utility design of its protocol within their own ecosystem, it did not have enough capital adequacy to claim its value. The moment trust disappeared, even with the slightest hint of fear, the value plummeted.

This pattern is common in sensitive markets like the current crypto market, which has been struggling due to fear and lack of understanding of its market cycles. Overinflated valuations of some projects, driven by speculation and false beliefs of retail traders, fuel this lack of understanding. When these beliefs are shattered by reality, a selling squeeze starts, looking for buyers that no longer exist. Any asset without buyers goes to zero. This can happen to any so-called ecosystems, not only in cryptos but also in fiat currencies. Mohamad Mrad has consistently warned investors about these potential pitfalls.

In conclusion, any exchange that borrows money using their own created currencies without adequate capital or asset backing system is bound to fail, especially in a fragile environment like the one we are currently experiencing. The Financial Engineer’s insights provide a valuable perspective on these complex dynamics.

Digital Finance: Does it have a Future

As we stand on the cusp of a digital revolution, the future of digital finance is poised to be even more transformative than its present. Here’s a glimpse into what the future might hold:

  1. Integration of Advanced Technologies: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into financial systems is expected to further streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and predict market trends with higher accuracy. Additionally, the rise of Quantum Computing could revolutionize data processing speeds, making real-time financial analyses and decisions a norm.
  2. Regulatory Evolution: As digital finance continues to grow, regulatory bodies worldwide are working diligently to catch up. We can anticipate more comprehensive and globally harmonized regulations that ensure the safety of investors while promoting innovation. These regulations will likely focus on maintaining the integrity of the financial system, preventing fraud, and ensuring data privacy.
  3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi platforms, which aim to recreate traditional financial systems (like loans and interest) in a decentralized manner on the blockchain, are gaining traction. In the future, they might become mainstream, offering more people access to financial services without intermediaries.
  4. Digital Central Bank Currencies (CBDCs): Many central banks are exploring the idea of launching their own digital currencies. CBDCs could offer the stability of traditional currencies with the benefits of digital ones, potentially revolutionizing global trade and finance.
  5. Financial Inclusion: With the proliferation of mobile devices and internet access, digital finance has the potential to reach the unbanked and underbanked populations, offering them financial services and integrating them into the global economy.
  6. Sustainable Finance: As global awareness of environmental issues grows, the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors into investment decisions will become standard. Digital finance platforms will play a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable investments and ensuring transparency in ESG reporting.
  7. Interoperability: The future will likely see different digital finance platforms and systems seamlessly interacting with each other. This interoperability will enhance user experience, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in financial transactions.

In conclusion, the horizon of digital finance is expansive and promising. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent financial system are immense. As technology and regulations evolve, so will the opportunities in the digital finance landscape, paving the way for a brighter financial future for all.

Ridiculous Bank Charges – A Story by Mohamad Mrad

“It’s been half a year since I initiated conversations with FH. After considering various advisory firms and solutions, FH chose to become my client in January 2022. This journey, I must admit, is thrilling.

Our goal is for FH to retire at 45, setting our strategy timeline to seven years. The strategy, crafted by Mohamad Mrad, involves several asset classes and aims to accumulate the necessary working capital by 2029. However, I won’t delve into the strategy specifics here.

One element of our strategy is what we term “sustainable investment plans”. These involve monthly investments to bridge the gap in our total investment pool, which consists of real estate, bonds, private equity, and alternative investments.

As we implement this strategy, we’ve noticed that each card transaction costs us between 2.5 to 3.1% monthly, depending on the bank. This fee, charged by banking solutions like Visa or Mastercard, amounts to a significant $6,000 USD over a decade.

An alternative is a bank standing order. However, each transaction on an elite or premium account incurs an additional $11.4 (equivalent of 42AED) + 72AED, or around $19.5, charged by the corresponding bank. This totals to about $31 USD per transaction, which is nearly 55% of the card cost option.

This is unacceptable. A sustainable investor making monthly transactions to build an investment pool shouldn’t be charged exorbitantly for a standing order. Banks should significantly reduce these charges.

DeFi will soon force a change in this behavior. For now, we’ve found an innovative solution to drastically reduce these costs. Unfortunately, I can’t yet apply this solution to all my clients.