Dude, I'm so there with you. No Ripple! The point of getting into crypto currency was the decentralization aspect of it. Yes, my goal for 2018 is to not have a 9-5 job and still have nearly double the income that I'm bringing in each month right now.
Welcome to STEEMIT!
I wish you well with your goal. So far my income comes completely from Bitcoin, but I do have a small inheritance if it all 'turns to custard'. (Which it won't, of course!)