My 2025 Playbook: Stocks, Crypto, and the Risks I’m Taking

Is 2025 the Year to Take Bigger Risks in the Stock Market?

2025 is here, and it’s time to shake things up in my investment strategy. After a stellar 2024 where the S&P 500 climbed 27% and the NASDAQ jumped 30%, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic but ready to go bold. Let’s face it—markets don’t give these kinds of gains every year. But with a new presidential administration, potential tariffs, and easing (but still elevated) interest rates, there’s plenty of room for big opportunities if you know where to look.

In this blog, I’ll share what I’m buying, why I’m taking on more risk, and how my plans for 2025 might inspire your own. Oh, and stick around—I’m also giving you an update on my 100 Undervalued Stocks series and the 5K to 25K Crypto Challenge.

What Did I Learn From 2024’s Market Boom?

2024 was wild. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ outperformed big-time, and even though I thought tech stocks would struggle with high interest rates, I was wrong. Instead, they soared.

My strategy last year was simple:

1. Regularly contribute to my portfolio.
2. Only buy individual stocks when I had a strong reason to.
3. Sit tight and let compounding do its thing.

I started the year with 20% in cash but went all-in by summer after seeing the writing on the wall for an interest rate cut. Few of my best 2024 plays were $NVDA, $TSLA, $SHOP, and $HOOD after doing a deep dive on them.

If you're new to investing on platforms like Robinhood, check out my guide on how to invest $1,000 effectively.

What Stocks Am I Buying in 2025 and Why?

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB): The Future of Space Tech

Why: With the space economy growing, Rocket Lab is positioned as a key player in satellite launches and space systems. Their focus on reusable rockets keeps costs down and margins up.

Rigetti Computing (RGTI): Quantum Leap in Tech

Why: Quantum computing is the next frontier, and Rigetti is making waves with its innovative quantum solutions. It’s speculative, but the upside potential is enormous.

KULR Technology Group (KULR): Battery Safety Leader

Why: As EVs and battery technology take off, KULR’s cutting-edge thermal management solutions are in demand. A critical play for the EV and energy storage revolution.

MicroStrategy (MSTR): A Bitcoin Proxy

Why: MicroStrategy isn’t just a tech company—it’s essentially a Bitcoin ETF with exposure to the leading cryptocurrency. If you’re intrigued by MicroStrategy’s bold Bitcoin strategy, check out my blog on Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin Playbook.

If you're considering crypto investments like Bitcoin, you can start with Coinbase for a user-friendly experience.

NVIDIA (NVDA): The AI and GPU King

Why: NVIDIA continues to dominate in AI, gaming, and data centers. With every major AI breakthrough relying on their GPUs, NVDA is a must-own in my portfolio.

Should You Buy Nvidia Stock Before 2025? A Deep Dive Into NVDA’s Potential

Robinhood (HOOD): Democratizing Finance

Why: Robinhood’s innovative platform attracts younger investors, and their growth in crypto trading adds another exciting dimension. If you’re building a portfolio and need solid research tools, check out top stock analysis websites to level up your investing game.

What’s My Crypto Strategy for 2025?

Is Crypto Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. I’m upping my crypto allocation to 10% of my portfolio this year. My focus remains on solid, proven players like:

• Bitcoin (BTC): The OG, with capped supply and increasing adoption.
• Ethereum (ETH): The backbone of DeFi and smart contracts.
• Solana (SOL): A speed demon in the blockchain world.
• Ripple (XRP): Speculative, but rumors of Trump eliminating capital gains taxes on U.S.-issued crypto make this one interesting.

If you’re looking for an easier way to invest in crypto, consider the Bitcoin ETFs introduced recently. For a secure way to store your crypto, a Ledger Wallet is an excellent choice.

What’s the 5K to 25K Crypto Challenge?

This is my favorite side project for 2025! The goal is simple: turn $5,000 into $25,000 by year-end through smart crypto plays. I’m sticking with a mix of long-term holds (Bitcoin, Ethereum) and a few speculative bets on altcoins.

Want to follow the journey? I’m sharing weekly updates and portfolio moves here: 5K to 25K Crypto Challenge.

What Are the 100 Undervalued Stocks for 2025?

Finding diamonds in the rough is kind of my thing. That’s why I started my 100 Undervalued Stocks series. Every day, I uncover a new stock that’s undervalued based on fundamentals and growth potential.

Some recent picks:

• Stock A: Trading at a ridiculously low P/E ratio of 12 with strong revenue growth.
• Stock B: A renewable energy company with a solid competitive moat.

Follow the series here: 100 Undervalued Stocks.

What Are the Best Resources to Build Wealth in 2025?

If you're serious about expanding your financial knowledge this year, you can’t miss my list of top 5 investing books for financial freedom. These books shaped how I think about money and markets, and they’ll help you too.

Should You Hold More Cash in 2025?

I’ll be honest—holding cash makes me a little nervous because markets rarely stay down for long. But with valuations sky-high (the S&P 500’s P/E ratio is 25!), I’m planning to keep 20% of my portfolio in cash this year.

Why?

1. Black Swan events.
2. Buying opportunities if the market dips.
3. Flexibility to rebalance my portfolio when needed.

Final Thoughts: Play to Your Strengths

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for investing, but let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s risky. My strategy reflects my tolerance for volatility and my belief in long-term growth. If you’re looking to take your own investing to the next level, remember this: stay informed, stay disciplined, and think for yourself.

I’d love to hear what you’re planning for 2025! Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s make this year a winning one.