Passive Crypto Income Case Study (2025)
Two example portfolios—conservative and growth—showing how staking, CeFi earn, and DeFi yields could combine into monthly passive income. Educational, not financial advice.
Scope & Methodology
- Illustrative example using round figures; prices, fees, and taxes are ignored unless noted.
- Monthly estimates use simple APY/12 approximations (no compounding).
- APY assumptions:
- Staking (ETH, liquid/native): ~4% APR
- CeFi stablecoin earn: ~6% APR
- DeFi yield strategies: ~12% APR (variable)
See foundational guides: Best Passive Income 2025, Staking Explained, What Is Yield Farming?.
Portfolio A — Conservative ($10,000 example)
Goal: steady, simpler setup with lower variance.
| Allocation | Amount | Assumed APR | Est. Monthly | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staking (ETH) | $5,000 | 4% | $16.67 | Lido Review |
| CeFi stablecoin earn | $3,000 | 6% | $15.00 | Nexo |
| DeFi yields | $2,000 | 12% | $20.00 | Pendle |
| Total (before fees/price moves) | $51.67 / month | |||
Calculation examples: 4% of $5,000 ≈ $200/year → ~$16.67/month; 6% of $3,000 ≈ $180/year → $15/month; 12% of $2,000 ≈ $240/year → $20/month.
Portfolio B — Growth ($10,000 example)
Goal: higher potential yield with more active risk.
| Allocation | Amount | Assumed APR | Est. Monthly | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staking (ETH) | $3,000 | 4% | $10.00 | Rocket Pool Review |
| CeFi stablecoin earn | $3,000 | 6% | $15.00 | Binance Earn |
| DeFi yields (boosted) | $4,000 | 18% | $60.00 | Pendle |
| Total (before fees/price moves) | $85.00 / month | |||
Illustrative only. Higher target APR increases protocol/strategy risk and workload (monitoring, rebalancing).
Risks & Notes
- Price risk: asset drawdowns can offset yield.
- Protocol/counterparty risk: smart contracts (DeFi) vs custodian solvency (CeFi).
- Liquidity/lockups: fixed terms, unbonding times, or liquidity depth constraints.
- Fees/taxes: gas, spreads, and local tax rules reduce net returns.
- Operational security: keys, phishing, device hygiene, backups.
Next Steps
- Choose a baseline allocation (A or B) and size it to your risk tolerance.
- Start with staking/CeFi, then allocate a smaller portion to DeFi.
- Set a monthly review routine: check yields, risks, and rebalance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these returns guaranteed?
No. These are illustrative estimates based on assumed APYs. Actual results vary and depend on prices, fees, protocol risks, and market conditions.
Do these examples include compounding?
No. For simplicity, monthly estimates use straight-line APY approximations and exclude compounding and fees unless noted.
How can I reduce risk?
Diversify across methods and providers, prefer reputable protocols, keep security hygiene, and avoid overexposure to a single asset or platform.