A sharp comment from a well-known XRP Ledger developer sparked a new debate about savings, inflation, and what smart money looks like today.
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Bird, the developer of the XRPL-based meme coin DROP, gained attention after he claimed that anyone with more XRP than in their bank account is a “master.”
The choice of words was bold, and quickly spread on social media, attracting fans and critics.
Genius or Gambling in a Deflationary Era
According to Bird, this label has nothing to do with bragging but awareness. He says many people automatically trust banks, thinking that savings accounts protect their future.
The problem, he says, is math. Savings rates around 4-6% often fail to keep pace with rising prices. Groceries, rent, transportation, and health care all go up.
Over time, money that sits still can quietly lose its power. In that light, Bird frames XRP as a sign of foresight rather than apathy.
If you have a lot of money in $XRP than in your bank account, you’re a genius.
– Bird (@Bird_XRPL) January 11, 2026
Risk still has Value
XRP prices can swing wildly over short periods of time, something banks are designed to avoid. A savings account may sound boring, but it provides stability and quick access when bills come due or emergencies arise.
That distinction is important. Long-term holders responded that XRP was never intended to act as a checking account. It is considered an asset tied to future payment costs and global transfers, not daily spending money. They say, “mindfulness” speaks of the horizon, not temporary comfort.
State Recovers After Years of Stress
XRP spent years weighed down by legal uncertainty while its network continued to grow behind the scenes. With some of that pressure easing, attention turned back to consumption.
Cross-border payments remain highly concentrated. Stablecoin activity, including RLUSD, has increased. Tokenization of real-world assets is also being tested on the XRP Ledger. Supporters believe that this growing usage gives XRP value above the price charts.
“What is the right price $XRP catch up? “
The truth is…it’s completely subjective.
We all live in different countries, have different expenses, jobs, savings, families, goals. Some people chase money, some chase freedom. Some need health insurance, travel, retirement,…
– Bird (@Bird_XRPL) January 10, 2026
How Much Money Is Enough Depends on You
The bird also raised a question that keeps popping up on the internet: how much XRP is “correct.” Reports note that he often talks about 10,000 XRP as a rough reference, not a target.
His thinking is simple. If XRP ever trades in double digits, that holding becomes a total of six in US dollars. For some people, that can mean freedom. For others, it may only relieve stress. Cost of living, family size, health needs, and location are all what “enough” really means.
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Calling someone a genius makes for interesting headlines, but real life lies in between. Keeping some money in banks helps to pay for daily needs. Holding assets like XRP is betting on future systems and long-term growth.
Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView
