I don't understand why anyone would give Circle (CRCL) money when they keep all the interest. What's in it for the depositor? – Michael

Great question, Michael. Circle (CRCL), the company behind USDC, does keep the interest earned on the reserves backing the stablecoin – typically short-term U.S. Treasuries.

So why do people still “give them money”? Because most users aren’t looking for yield. They’re using USDC as a tool, not an investment.

USDC offers fast, borderless, 24/7 dollar transfers with low fees, making it ideal for trading, international payments, and DeFi applications. It’s also seen as one of the most trustworthy and regulated stablecoins, with fully backed reserves and monthly attestations – a big reason why institutions use it.

You don’t earn interest, but you gain utility: stability, speed, programmability, and access. For many users, that trade-off is worth it.

[Important note, however: You can actually earn a yield on USDC by holding it on certain platforms – like Coinbase and Kraken. These platforms (not Circle) pay you a yield (typically anywhere from 3% to 8%) in exchange for lending out your USDC or using it in liquidity pools.]

XRP is well off its recent highs. Is this a good chance to buy in? I’m trying to catch the next hype cycle higher. – Sebastian

Great question, Sebastian. Ripple keeps inching forward with partnerships and legal wins. But as we know, in crypto, that rarely moves the needle.

XRP, like most crypto assets, doesn’t trade on fundamentals. It trades on momentum, narrative, and the hope of catching a wave that turns into real money. If XRP starts running again, it probably won’t be because of a breakthrough use case — but because people see it moving and pile in.

That might sound cynical, but that’s just how these assets behave: wealth creation drives attention, and attention drives capital.

That’s why I recommend having a deliberate allocation to crypto — with Bitcoin and Ethereum as your core, and XRP in the second tier. Not because I’m convinced these tokens will reshape the financial system, but because a few might. And when they move, they tend to move fast.

Why are companies like GameStop trying to associate themselves with Bitcoin? Is this a scam to sucker investors into buying their stock??? – David

David, companies like GameStop are trying to associate with Bitcoin because they see how Strategy’s (formerly known as MicroStrategy) Bitcoin-focused strategy has boosted its stock price far beyond the value of its core business.

I estimate MicroStrategy’s enterprise software is worth about $3.4 billion, and its Bitcoin holdings roughly $41 billion, yet the market values it at over $100 billion. Investors are essentially paying twice as much for Strategy’s stock compared to its underlying value.

GameStop wants to tap into that hype by raising $1.75 billion to buy Bitcoin, hoping to recreate the same investor enthusiasm. It’s not exactly a scam, but it’s a high-risk strategy banking on hype rather than solid business fundamentals.

My advice: If you want Bitcoin exposure, just buy Bitcoin directly. Buying companies like GameStop or Strategy for their Bitcoin narrative means you’re paying for overvalued stock that could crash once reality sets in. Be cautious and focus on real value.

I would love to invest alongside you. Do I need to do anything other than keep an eye on my email for more updates? – Mark

Appreciate that, Mark. You’re all set. Just keep an eye on your inbox.

I’ll send out regular updates with my latest moves, research, and insights. When I make a trade or spot an opportunity, you’ll be among the first to know. No action needed for now – but when it’s time, I’ll make it clear what I’m doing and why.

Important Update: Follow The Million Mission on Twitter/X

Big news: I just launched a Twitter/X account so you can follow along with The Million Mission in real time. I’ll be sharing daily market thoughts, trade updates, and behind-the-scenes takes that don’t make it into the newsletter.

If you want quicker insights, early reactions to breaking news, and a closer look at how I’m navigating the road to $1 million – this is where I’ll be. Come hang out, ask questions, and follow the Mission as it happens @DavisPWilson.

Another Important Update: The Million Mission website is live!

I’ve gotten plenty of feedback regarding where to find previous alerts. Well, The Million Mission website is finally live and you can check out archived alerts here.

Portfolio Overview

Here’s what I’m currently holding in the Million Mission portfolio:

Fannie Mae (FNMA) – 2,500 shares @ ~$7.25/share.