An octogenarian’s unexpected encounter with the cryptocurrency world taught him that sometimes the best financial decision is knowing when to walk away.
Curator’s Note: Dr. Michael Broadly, an octogenarian, reflects on his brief cryptocurrency experience after selling Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other holdings shortly before Binance reportedly suffered a US$6.3 billion security breach. Although he considers the timing mostly luck, the incident reinforced several important lessons: convenience does not guarantee security, diversification is ineffective when assets remain on one vulnerable platform, and financial wisdom includes knowing when to stop. He remains interested in blockchain and emerging technologies but prefers the peace of retirement, family, writing, and scientific research over volatile investments and cybersecurity concerns. Ultimately, the story argues that curiosity need not require financial participation—and that a good night’s sleep may be the best return.
G’day folks, happy weekend!
I have another juicy yarn for you today.
At my age, I’ve learned that life has a peculiar sense of humour. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something comes along to remind you that the universe still has a few practical jokes up its sleeve.
I recently sold my crypto assets through Binance. My latest surprise involved cryptocurrency, an unexpected email, and approximately US$6.3 billion. Yes, billion. With a B. That’s enough zeros to make my retirement calculator request annual leave.
This is a summary of a longer story I published in the Curated Newsletters publication on Medium. If you want to read the entire story, here is the link titled Spooky Coincidence: I Sold My Crypto, Then After a Week Binance Suffered a US$6.3 Billion Hack.
My brief career as a crypto adventurer
Some time ago, I decided to experiment with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few other digital currencies. As a scientifically curious octogenarian, I enjoy exploring emerging technologies. After all, learning shouldn’t stop simply because the candles on your birthday cake have become a fire hazard.
But cryptocurrency turned out to be rather demanding. Prices went up, prices went down, and occasionally they seemed to perform gymnastics without consulting the laws of gravity.
Eventually, I decided enough was enough. I sold my holdings and returned to the considerably more enjoyable business of retirement.
No dramatic predictions. No secret investment formula. Just an elderly gentleman deciding that peaceful sleep was worth more than another exciting price chart.
Then came the billion-dollar surprise
A few days later, an alarming email appeared, apparently from Binance, the exchange I had used. It described a massive cryptocurrency security breach involving approximately US$6.3 billion.
My first thought was that somebody was trying to scam me. These days, opening an unexpected financial email can feel like answering the door to a stranger carrying a briefcase labeled “Trust Me.”
But after checking official announcements and independent reports, I discovered that the breach was real.
Binance subsequently announced measures to replenish affected customer assets. That was encouraging, but it also highlighted an uncomfortable reality: even sophisticated digital platforms can experience serious security failures.
I had left the crypto party just before somebody apparently made off with the refreshments, the furniture, and a substantial portion of the building.
Three lessons worth more than another Bitcoin prediction
First, convenience is not the same as security. Leaving cryptocurrency on an exchange may simplify trading, but it also means relying on someone else’s systems.
Second, diversification cannot solve every problem. Owning several cryptocurrencies on one exchange is rather like keeping your valuables in different drawers while leaving the front door unlocked.
Third, financial intelligence includes knowing when enough is enough.
I still admire blockchain technology. I remain curious about artificial intelligence and scientific discoveries. But curiosity doesn’t require me to invest in everything that fascinates me.
These days, I’d rather exercise, write, research, and enjoy my family than wonder whether a cybercriminal somewhere has developed an interest in my digital wallet.
Was my timing brilliant? Probably not. Was it lucky? Quite possibly. But I learned something valuable.
At my age, I prefer my adventures in scientific journals, not in cryptocurrency account statements. And unlike Bitcoin, a good night’s sleep doesn’t require a password.
This is a condensed personal reflection on an unusual coincidence. In my original story, I explore the Binance incident, the company’s response, and five practical lessons about cryptocurrency security, investment risk, and retirement peace of mind.
Thanks for reading my experience and thoughts. Stay healthy and happy!
I started a new series called the World Is Fucked Up. Here are three stories that might entertain and educate you:
In a World F@cked Up, Here’s What Medical Gaslighting Taught Me About Public Health
The World Is F@cked Up: The AI Race Finally and Unsurprisingly Has Entered Its Industrial Espionage Era
If you are interested in sex, I have started a sex education series that might educate, inspire, or even entertain you. Here are the links to some sample stories:
The 8 Habits of Sexually Satisfied Couples With Any Sexual Orientation
When Your Libido Says “Come Here” and Your Partner Says “Not Tonight”
What Most People Were Never Taught About Female and Male Orgasm
The Neurobiology of Sexual Pleasure and Meaningful Human Connection.
Human Libido: What Most People Were Never Taught About Sexual Desire
Neurocognitive and Affective Differences Between Erotic and Pornographic Stimuli in the Brain [Warning: This one is scholarly!]
What Science Reveals About Anal Pleasure and Orgasm for Both Women and Men [Free access via my community blogs]
Cheers, Mike!
About Me
I’m a retired healthcare scientist in my early 80s now. I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor and content curator for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Substack: Health Science Research by Dr Mike Broadly.
Here is my latest curated collection: Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #277
More stories in my reading list:
List: Reading list | Curated by Dr Michael Broadly, DHSc | Medium
My Favorite Articles Which I Published & Read · 7112 stories on Mediummedium.com
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