From First Sats on Bisq to Bitcoin Retirement: A HODLer’s Journey

Tonight we’ll connect two ideas: how to buy bitcoin privately with Bisq, and how to think about holding it long term.

Transcript

1. Tonight we’ll connect two ideas: how to buy bitcoin privately with Bisq, and how to think about holding it long term. A HODLer’s Journey From First Sats on Bisq to Bitcoin Retirement:
2. What is Bisq? Peer-to-peer, open-source, no- KYC Bitcoin exchange Runs over Tor for privacy P2P - Connects buyers & sellers directly Non-custodial — you always hold your own keys Focus on sovereignty and freedom
3. Feature Bisq 1 (Classic) Bisq 2 (Easy) Model Multisig escrow + deposit Reputation-based (no deposit) Trade size Larger / advanced users Smaller / onboarding Security Escrow + penalty system Reputation + trade limits Goal Maximum trustlessness Simpler entry for new users Bisq 1 vs Bisq 2 (Easy) Two protocols, same mission
4. What is GPG? Open-source encryption and signing tool Used to confirm that files come from the real developer Uses digital signatures (like Bitcoin private keys, but for code) Ensures the software hasn’t been altered or faked GNU Privacy Guard — verifying identity & authenticity
5. Why GPG Matters for Bitcoiners Security starts before install Anyone can upload fake installers — verification stops that Developers sign releases with their private keys You verify using their public keys “Good signature” = safe to install Builds trust without needing a middleman
6. Verifying Software with GPG Trust, but verify your downloads Always verify installers before running them Example command: gpg --verify Bisq-2.X.X.dmg.asc Bisq-2.X.X.dmg Look for “Good signature” in the output Prevents tampered or fake binaries 🔗 Demo link 1 - Import developer key and verify signature file: https://bisq.wiki/Bisq_2#Installation link 2 - Binary installer verification: https://bisq.wiki/Downloading_and_installing#Verify_installer_file
7. New, rebuilt interface for easier onboarding Uses the “Bisq Easy” protocol — small, reputation-based trades Still fully decentralized and Tor-based No custody, no KYC, no intermediaries A simpler, modern way to trade peer-to-peer Bisq 2 Overview
8. Exploring Bisq 2 (Easy Protocol) Bisq 2 Interface Walkthrough Overview of dashboard and trade tabs Find offers to buy or sell Choose payment method and reputation score Funds stay under your control After installation
9. Trade Flow on Bisq 2 (Easy) How a typical trade works Trades rely on reputation, not deposits Fully peer-to-peer — funds never sit on an exchange 1️⃣ Find or create an offer (Trade Wizard) 2️⃣ Confirm trade details 3️⃣ Send fiat payment directly to the counterparty 4️⃣ BTC is released once payment is confirmed
10. From Buying to Holding Once you own sats, plan for the long run Shift from acquisition → preservation Think self-custody and long-term security Move your first sats from Bisq 2 (Easy) into Bisq 1 to do larger, escrow-protected trades Build habits around saving and planning e.g. daily / monthly DCA, lump sum bonus or tax return, Roth IRA conversion, etc.
11. Bitcoin for Retirement Hodling as a long-term savings strategy Custody and inheritance basics: Start simple with bitcoin-only wallets you understand Secure backups: hardware wallet + steel or paper copy Create an inheritance plan (key shares or trusted provider) Security that outlasts you: Think in decades and backup and test recovery first Avoid cloud storage or third-party dependence (HW live apps) Document recovery steps for yourself and heirs Keep setup simple and sustainable: Complexity kills security - aim for “secure enough” with single-sig before attempting geographically distributed multi-sig Revisit setup yearly and patch firmware to reduce security vulnerabilities Make sure someone you trust can recover if needed
12. Custody Solutions Overview Financial freedom through personal responsibility
13. Multi-Sig Options Balancing security and accessibility Unchained Capital — collaborative custody (2-of-3) Specter Desktop — DIY multi-sig Nunchuk — mobile shared vaults Caravan — open-source coordinator
14. Tools & Calculators (Part 1) Unchained Retirement Calculator Bitcoin Magazine CAGR Calculator Bitbo CAGR Charts Project Bitcoin growth & retirement scenarios Small, regular contributions compound over time.
15. Tools & Calculators (Part 2) Bitcoiner Academy Calculator Bitbo Retirement Calculator Wen Moon (ObservableHQ) Community-built models & DIY tools Interactive tools for visualizing growth, cycles, and timing.
16. Trad-Fiat Approach
17. Forecast modeling and education Open-source data model and explainer video for advanced analysis. Calculator.net Saylor's Bitcoin Model on GitHub YouTube — Simply Bitcoin: How Much Bitcoin Do You Need to Retire? More Deep-Dive Resources
18. Discussion Open Q&A and idea sharing How are you saving long term? What tools do you like? Biggest risks or lessons so far?