How Dads Can Build Financial Freedom and Faith: Lessons from a Podcast with Trent Cleveland
Mar 21, 2025
Hey there, fellow dad! If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to secure your family’s future—financially, spiritually, and in every way that matters. Recently, I had the privilege of hosting a podcast with my good friend Trent Cleveland, a seasoned expert in the XRP and Ripple space who also runs multiple nodes on the XRP ledger. We dove deep into how blockchain and cryptocurrency—specifically XRP—can be game-changers for dads who want to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and build a legacy for their families. But this conversation wasn’t just about money; it was about purpose, faith, and using these tools to live out the values we hold dear.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the key insights from our chat, breaking down how you, as a dad, can leverage this once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve your family’s financial standing. More importantly, we’ll explore how this journey can align with your faith, helping you become a better steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. Whether you’re new to crypto or already dabbling, this is your roadmap to getting started with purpose.
The Opportunity: Why Now Is the Time to Act
Trent’s message was crystal clear: we’re on the cusp of a massive shift in how the world does business, and blockchain technology is at the heart of it. He compared this moment to the creation of the stock market in the 1600s, calling it a “transfer of wealth” from an old, outdated system to a new, digital one. For dads, this is a rare chance to get in early—before the big players, like institutions and family funds, dominate the space.
“Guys like us, once these regulations get put in place and once these tokens start to adopt, we’re going to be priced out. The only people that are going to participate after that are going to be people with deep pockets.” — Trent Cleveland
Trent emphasized that the window to act is closing fast. He pointed to XRP’s recent surge from $0.50 to nearly $3 as proof of its potential, noting how skeptics suddenly flooded his inbox asking how to get involved. His advice? Start now, while assets like XRP are still affordable. For dads, this isn’t about chasing quick riches or day-trading your way to wealth—it’s about building long-term, sustainable income that frees you from the daily grind, giving you more time with your kids, your wife, and the causes that matter most.
Understanding Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: A Dad’s Guide
Before we dive into the specifics of XRP, let’s get on the same page about what blockchain and cryptocurrency actually are. Don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple, because I know most of us don’t have time to decode tech jargon between soccer practice and bedtime stories.
What Is Blockchain?
Think of blockchain as a digital ledger shared across a network of computers. Every transaction is recorded publicly, making it transparent and secure. Unlike traditional finance (where your bank controls your data), blockchain is decentralized—no single entity owns it. This makes it harder to hack or manipulate.
For dads, this matters because it’s the foundation of a new financial system that’s faster, cheaper, and more transparent. Trent mentioned how blockchain is already revolutionizing industries like shipping (with XDC) and data storage (with Constellation/DAG). But the real opportunity for us lies in cryptocurrencies built on these blockchains, like XRP.
What Is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is digital money that runs on blockchain technology. Bitcoin might be the most famous, but Trent focuses on utility-driven projects—cryptos that solve real-world problems. XRP, for instance, enables near-instant, low-cost international payments. This isn’t just speculative hype; it’s about tangible value.
“I can transfer money instantly from anything to anything. If I’ve got a London pound and I want to convert it to the Mexican peso, I can do it faster than the banks can at cheaper prices.” — Trent Cleveland
For dads, this means investing in something with long-term potential—not just a get-rich-quick scheme that leaves you stressed and broke.
Why XRP? The Case for Dads
Trent is particularly bullish on XRP, and for good reason. Here’s why it stands out as a smart move for dads looking to build financial security:
- Speed and Cost: XRP transactions settle in seconds with fees as low as $0.50, compared to Bitcoin’s slow and expensive transfers.
- Real-World Adoption: Ripple, the company behind XRP, is partnering with banks and governments worldwide to integrate XRP into their payment systems.
- Passive Income Potential: Through XRP’s Automatic Market Maker (AMM), you can earn daily passive income by providing liquidity to the network.
Trent’s strategy isn’t just to buy and hold XRP (though that’s a key part). He’s focused on using it to generate ongoing income, which aligns perfectly with the goal of escaping the 9-to-5. Here’s how he puts it:
“Most people are going to sell their XRP tokens when it really runs, and I would caution you about that. If you can build some volume, sell a portion, but hold the rest. Once these tokens start to adopt, guys like us are going to be priced out.” — Trent Cleveland
How to Get Started with XRP
Here’s a simple plan to dip your toes in:
- Buy XRP: Use an exchange like Uphold to purchase XRP. Trent suggests accumulating as much as you can afford—aiming for at least 10,000 tokens to make passive income meaningful (though any amount works).
- Hold for the Long Term: Ignore short-term price swings. Focus on the bigger picture—adoption and regulatory clarity will drive value over time.
- Leverage DeFi for Passive Income: Use XRP’s AMM to provide liquidity and earn daily rewards. This is where the real magic happens—money working for you while you’re at your kid’s recital.
Trent’s personal goal? To walk away from his “last office job” by age 50, living off passive income while traveling with his wife and supporting his daughters. For dads, this could mean more time coaching your kids’ sports teams, volunteering at church, or just being present at home.
Faith and Finances: A Purpose Beyond Profit
Here’s where this gets profound. Trent’s journey isn’t just about money—it’s about purpose. As a man of deep faith, he views wealth as a tool for stewardship, not greed. During our chat, I asked him about the guilt some of us feel chasing financial freedom while others struggle. His response hit home:
“Should I feel guilty about trying to get out of this rat race? I went back to the Parable of the Talents... Jesus talks about being a better steward of money.” — Ryan (Host)
Trent’s take? No guilt. God calls us to grow what we’ve been given, like in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). His vision includes:
- Mission Work: Using crypto profits to fund trips to India, free families from debt in Pakistan, and support ministries.
- Community Impact: Buying land for community gardens, raising local beef, and creating affordable housing.
- Family Legacy: Teaching his daughters (and future grandkids) to use wealth for good, not just comfort.
“God wants you to have nice things, but He doesn’t want you to idolize them. He wants you to be a conduit for His work.” — Trent Cleveland
For dads, this is a powerful reminder that financial freedom isn’t selfish—it’s a means to serve. Whether it’s supporting your child’s Christian school, funding a family mission trip, or simply being more present at home, wealth can amplify the good you’re already doing.
How Dads Can Take Action: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get started? Here’s a practical roadmap to dip your toes into crypto while staying true to your values as a dad and a man of faith.
Step 1: Educate Yourself
Crypto can feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. Trent recommends these resources to cut through the noise:
- Blockchain Backer: Great for chart analysis and market insights.
- Kevin Cage: Offers courses on projects like Constellation.
- Raul Pal (Real Vision): Macro-economic insights for long-term investors.
- Jeremy Hogan: Legal perspective on Ripple and regulations.
- David Schwartz: XRP’s CTO, for technical details on the AMM.
- Mickey B Fresh: DeFi tutorials, especially for XRP’s AMM.
Start with these, and steer clear of hype-driven influencers peddling quick riches.
Step 2: Start Small, Accumulate Gradually
- Buy XRP: Use Uphold or another exchange. Start with what you can afford—every bit counts.
- Set a Goal: Trent suggests 10,000+ XRP for meaningful passive income, but don’t let that intimidate you. Even 1,000 tokens can grow over time.
Step 3: Explore Passive Income
- XRP’s AMM: Learn how to provide liquidity through Mickey B Fresh’s tutorials or the XRP website.
- Other Options: Research Constellation (DAG) or XDC for similar DeFi opportunities.
Step 4: Manage Risks
- Volatility: Crypto prices swing wildly. Buy and hold through the dips.
- Research: Stick to utility-driven projects. Avoid meme coins and hype-driven gambles.
Step 5: Align with Your Faith
- Pray for Guidance: Ask God to show you how to use this opportunity wisely.
- Give Back: Plan how you’ll use your gains to bless others—whether through tithing, charity, or community projects.
Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Purpose
If you’re like me, you might feel a twinge of guilt about pursuing financial freedom while others struggle. But Trent’s story reframes that guilt into purpose. He shared his dream:
“I want to be able to go back to India and set up what God showed me to set up, and not have to worry about where my money’s coming from.” — Trent Cleveland
For dads, this could mean:
- Supporting your local church or school with extra resources.
- Funding mission trips or charity work as a family.
- Building a financial cushion so you’re not “priced out” when crypto matures.
Trent’s parting advice—“Keep God number one”—grounds this journey in purpose. Money isn’t the goal; it’s the means to live out your calling as a husband, father, and man of faith.
Final Thoughts: Your Three-Year Dream
Trent shared his vision for the next three years: walking away from his W2 job, traveling with his wife, and funding mission work—all while being present for his daughters and future grandkids. What’s your dream? Take a moment to imagine your life three years from now. What would make you say, “These have been the best three years of my life”? Write it down, then ask yourself: How can crypto and faith help me get there?
This isn’t about getting rich quick—it’s about building a legacy. So, dads, let’s take purposeful action. Educate yourself, start small, and remember: this sea change won’t wait.
Ready to dive deeper?