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Lost everything in crypto: a student's warning

Student's Crypto Nightmare | $70,000 Bet Turns into $35,000 Loss

By

Peter McCormack

Nov 21, 2025, 07:24 AM

Edited By

Liam Murphy

Updated

Nov 22, 2025, 05:59 AM

2 minutes reading time

A distressed university student examines fluctuating cryptocurrency charts on a laptop, reflecting on his investment losses, with a stack of books in the background.
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A university student shares his regrets after investing family funds in cryptocurrency, candidly addressing the emotional turmoil and anxiety surrounding his risky decisions. With a looming crypto winter on the horizon, he fears for his future and his academic prospects.

High Stakes Investment

In a raw confession, the student admitted he gambled $70,000โ€”covering a year of tuition and living expensesโ€”on cryptocurrencies including ETH, ADA, HBAR, LINK, and PEPE. Influenced by buzz on social media, he aimed to self-finance his master's degree but is now staring at a troubling $35,000 loss and contemplating whether he can recover before losses deepen. As 2026 approaches, he feels the pressure intensifying.

New Insights from the Community

Recent comments from the online community reveal varied strategies and recommendations:

  • One participant warned against selling to avoid making losses "real," advising to sit tight instead. They suggested making peace with current holdings and leveraging the remaining cash for potential future assets if outcomes remain unfavorable.

  • Another advised finding part-time work while in school, highlighting the importance of saving cash rather than investing further amid a downward market trend. A user noted, "Get a job and take a year off school just to work full time"โ€”actionable advice for anyone feeling the financial heat.

  • Several comments underscored the necessity of responsible investing, with remarks like, "You shouldnโ€™t invest with money that youโ€™re going to need" resonating widely. Many emphasized that investing should not exceed 30% of oneโ€™s portfolio in high-risk assets, suggesting a diversified approach.

Emotional Toll and Learning Curve

The young investor's tale struck a chord within the community, who responded with both empathy and tough love. A commenter shared, "This is costly real-life education in understanding risk and avoiding gambling with essential funds." Others echoed the sentiment that emotional struggles often stem from financial missteps, with worry for mental health becoming apparent.

"If you try to 'make it back,' youโ€™ll lose the rest of it," one commenter cautioned, illuminating the dangers of revenge trading.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Invest Wisely: Never gamble with more than you can afford to lose.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Diversify Assets: Avoid putting all funds into high-risk cryptos.

  • โš ๏ธ Seek Support: Maintain social connections and consider professional help if feelings of despair arise.

As he weighs his options moving forward, the student must navigate this tough lesson in investment ethics. With the crypto market poised for further decline, he may face a hard decisionโ€”whether to cut his losses or hold out in hopes of recovery. The lessons learned here could shape his future handling of finances and investments.

In light of ongoing market volatility and financial education needs, the urgency for cautious investing remains apparent for many.

The Road Ahead

Hurdles loom not just for the student but for many navigating an unpredictable cryptocurrency market. It remains unclear just how long this downturn will last, but educated and resilient strategies may ultimately separate those who rebound from those who face continued setbacks.