Read time: ≈ 12 min • Last updated: December 4, 2025 • Live yields included
2025 Update: I currently earn 11.4 % blended APY across 7 platforms—down from 14 % in May but still beating my mortgage by 4×. Below are my exact wallet addresses, the EigenLayer slashing that cost me 0.03 ETH, and the auto-compound script I run every Monday.
1. Why I Stake Instead of Trade
I suck at timing. In 2022 I sold ETH at $1 200 and watched it hit $3 900. Staking gives me yield and keeps me HODLing. My rule: if APY > 2× my mortgage rate (6.1 %), I stake.
2. 7 Platforms I Actually Use
Spread across 2 wallets and 1 exchange. Total locked: 4.2 ETH, 1 200 SOL, $8k in AAVE.
3. Lido – Liquid ETH Safety Net
Lido Stats (Dec-4-25)
- APY: 3.6 %
- Token: stETH (liquid)
- TVL: 9.4 M ETH
- My stack: 1.5 ETH → 1.503 stETH
I use stETH as collateral on Aave to borrow USDC and buy more stETH—loop at 1.8× safely.
4. EigenLayer – 22 % Restaking (Risk Alert)
I restaked 1 ETH and got 22 % APR—until a slashing event hit. Screenshots below.
5. Rocket Pool – Decentralization Maxi
- APY: 4.2 %
- Min: 0.01 ETH
- Token: rETH
- My stack: 0.8 ETH
Node operators are independent—no single Lido whale. Worth the 0.6 % extra APR.
6. Binance Simple Earn – 8 % Flexible
I park client float here—no lock-up, instant redemption. Rate dropped from 9.8 % to 8 % last month.
7. OKX Earn – 10 % SOL Staking
Locked 14 days. I ladder 200 SOL every week so 1/7 matures daily—like a crypto CD.
8. Marinade – Liquid SOL
mSOL is my collateral on Solend. APY 7.2 % + 0.5 % fee share. I keep 600 SOL here.
9. Aave Safety Module – 12 %
Stake AAVE token for 12 % APR + protocol revenue share. If AAVE pumps, yield jumps too.
10. Comparison Table & Risk Ladder
| Platform | Asset | APY | Risk | Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lido | ETH | 3.6 % | Low | None |
| Rocket Pool | ETH | 4.2 % | Low | None |
| Binance | ETH | 8 % | Medium | None |
| OKX | SOL | 10 % | Medium | 14 d |
| Marinade | SOL | 7.2 % | Medium | None |
| Aave SM | AAVE | 12 % | High | 10 d |
| EigenLayer | ETH | 22 % | Very High | 21 d |
11. Tax Hack – IRS 2025 Auto-Export
New IRS rule requires brokers to send 1099-DA starting Jan-26. I export staking CSVs every Monday with a free Koinly plugin—takes 45 s.
12. FAQ – Is Restaking Safe?
Yes. EigenLayer slashing is live—0.03 ETH gone. Spread operators and keep <20 % in restaking.
Treated as income at fair value when received. I auto-export CSV to Koinly.
stETH could de-peg. I keep max 40 % of ETH stack in any single liquid staking token.
13. Conclusion – My Monday Auto-Compound
I claim rewards every Monday at 7 a.m. ET while the coffee brews. Script auto-sells dust tokens, re-stakes profits, and exports CSV. Takes 6 minutes—less time than scrolling Twitter.
Build the system once, then let compound interest do the heavy lifting.
Staking rewards are not guaranteed. Slashing, smart-contract risk and tax obligations apply. Never stake more than you can afford to lose.