Tax-Loss Harvesting Is for Everyone, Not Just the Rich

There is a myth that tax strategies are only for the wealthy. Reality: the tax code is a set of rules. You can choose to play by them well or poorly. Harvesting losses is the simplest way to play well. It is not a secret handshake. It is arithmetic plus paperwork.

The point is not to hide anything. It is to square up. You acknowledge a losing position, you realize it, and you re align your portfolio with what you actually believe. You lower your tax bill now and you buy better odds later.

Why it is for everyone

• You do not need big numbers to benefit. Offsetting small gains still compounds.
• It reduces regret. Realize the loss, reset, and keep building.
• It builds discipline. Monthly reviews, clean records, fewer surprises in April.

What it looks like in practice

• You bought an NFT you no longer love. It is under basis. You sell it, record the loss, and rotate into a collection that better matches your taste or thesis.
• You hold a token that lagged the market. You swap to a different token or an index like exposure you prefer.

Keep it human

We are all stumbling through the same maze. Tx hashes, explorers, CSVs that do not line up. Make it gentle on yourself.

• One page of rules you actually follow.
• One place where receipts live.
• One monthly ritual: review, harvest, rotate.

A note on rules

Jurisdictions differ and evolve. Some may have wash sale like concepts for certain assets. Others will not. Treat this as education, not advice. If you ask a professional, bring clean records and specific questions.

Harvesting turns volatility into a feature. It is not a hack for the rich. It is hygiene for everyone. Do it with empathy for your past self and optimism for your future self.