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July 18, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Friday, everyone! 🛍️
Good morning! You made it to the end of the week—cue the mini celebration dance (even if it's just in your head while brushing your teeth).

Today we’re talking about a skill that quietly changes everything: selling—without feeling salesy.

Yep, the most profitable people aren’t pushy… they’re persuasive in a helpful, human way. They listen. They solve real problems. And they do it in a way that feels more like a conversation than a pitch. 🧠💬💸

Whether you're a creator, business owner, freelancer, or someone just sharing a good idea—you’re probably “selling” more often than you think.

Let’s talk about how to do it in a way that feels aligned, honest, and (dare we say?) fun.

Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Quote of The Day

“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”

Seneca

Market Update

*Market data represents the most recent market close at 5:00pm ET

Market Update: Wall Street stayed green today, with broad gains across the board—and a few surprises sprinkled in. 🌱📈

The Nasdaq rose 0.75%, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones followed with gains of 0.54% and 0.52%, respectively. Not huge leaps, but enough to keep the bulls content.

Bitcoin flexed again, climbing 1.64% as crypto continues to ride a wave of optimism.
Gold, though, slipped 0.41%—seems the glitter faded just a bit today. Meanwhile, silver unexpectedly reversed the trend, jumping 0.83%, the lone red-marked riser. Go figure. 🤷‍♂️

In stocks, Chevron surged 0.96%, and Zoom quietly ticked up 0.21%—perhaps people still aren't done with virtual meetings just yet.
Mastercard inched higher too, but barely (+0.041%)—maybe just swiping its way to gains. 💳

Another steady, cautiously optimistic day. Not fireworks, but no fumbles either.

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That’s why over 1 million readers, including CFOs, portfolio managers, and executives from Wall Street to Main Street, rely on The Daily Upside to cut through the noise.

No fluff. No filler. Just clarity that helps you stay ahead.

Tech

OpenAI Begins Beta Testing of GPT-5 With Multimodal Features
OpenAI has begun internal testing of GPT-5, which includes multimodal capabilities like vision, voice, and real-time context processing. Early reviews from testers say it’s “shockingly human-like” in conversation. Businesses are already exploring how to integrate it into customer experience tools.

Apple Launches iOS 19 With Major AI Upgrades
Apple has quietly released iOS 19, bringing major updates to Siri and new predictive features. Users can now access context-aware typing and mood-driven photo edits. Privacy has also been beefed up, especially around app tracking.

Tesla Adds AI Routing to Charging Stations
Tesla unveiled new charging stations powered by AI that recommend routes based on congestion and wait times. Dubbed “Waze for EVs,” the system is starting in California with a nationwide rollout expected soon. Elon Musk claims this could cut average wait times by up to 40%.

Entertainment

Hollywood Strike Officially Ends, Cameras Rolling Again
The long-running strike involving Hollywood actors and writers has come to an end. A new deal includes stronger AI protections and fairer residuals for streaming. Studios are rushing to resume paused productions, meaning your favorite shows could return sooner than expected.

Beyoncé Hits $1B With Tour and Merch Explosion
Queen Bey’s Renaissance World Tour has raked in over $1 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour ever by a female artist. Merchandise alone contributed over 20% of total revenue. Fans and analysts alike are calling Beyoncé a global enterprise—not just an entertainer.

Copyright Controversy Lands Gaming YouTuber in Hot Water
A YouTuber known for retro game reviews is facing legal trouble for copyright infringement. The case has sparked a broader debate about fair use in digital media. Gamers have rallied around the creator, using the hashtag #FreeThePixel in protest.

Capital Shifts

Dow Dips After Hawkish Fed Minutes Released
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped following the release of Federal Reserve minutes that revealed officials are still worried about inflation. Hopes for imminent rate cuts were dashed, and investors are bracing for more hikes. Bond yields stayed elevated, signaling ongoing market caution.

Goldman Sachs: AI Is Supercharging Tech Stocks
Goldman Sachs analysts say that AI investments are helping drive a rally in tech stocks, naming Nvidia and AMD as key beneficiaries. Their report projects a potential 15% boost in related indices by the end of Q4. This optimism continues to fuel Wall Street's fascination with artificial intelligence.

Evergrande’s Default Sends Shockwaves Through Asia
Chinese property giant Evergrande defaulted once again, triggering volatility in Asian markets. The ripple effects have reached U.S. investors too, especially those holding real estate and commodity stocks. Analysts are closely watching how Beijing might respond to stabilize the sector.

Science

A massive rock from Mars landed on Earth. It sold for a record $5.3M.
A rare Martian meteorite fetched $5.3 million at auction. Scientists say its composition could help unlock secrets about Mars’ formation. Its high value reflects growing interest in planetary science.

Even Neanderthals had distinct preferences when it came to making dinner, study suggests
New research suggests Neanderthals made deliberate choices in their food preparation, showing early signs of culinary preference. This challenges long-held beliefs about their intelligence. The findings add depth to our understanding of early human life.

Astronomers witness the birth of a planetary system for the 1st time
For the first time, astronomers have captured footage of a planetary system forming. This observation could help researchers refine models of planet formation. It’s a major milestone in astrophysics.

Travel

Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary: Here’s a look at the park then and now
Disneyland marks its 70th year with special events and retrospectives. A photo comparison shows dramatic changes in attractions and layout. Fans are reflecting on its cultural legacy.

Month of hell coming for I-5 in Seattle
Major infrastructure work is planned for I-5, a key highway through Seattle. Officials warn of significant delays and detours. Commuters and freight operators are bracing for a month-long disruption.

First the shoes went back on. Now, at U.S. airport security, more liquid in carry-ons may be at hand.
U.S. airports are adjusting liquid restrictions for carry-on bags. The TSA is testing new scanners that could allow larger volumes. Travelers may soon see shorter security lines and relaxed rules.

Today’s Snapshot

The Most Profitable Skill Nobody Talks About: Selling Without Feeling “Salesy”

So let’s have a little heart-to-heart today.

You know what one skill changes literally everything — from your income, to your confidence, to the size of your investment portfolio?

It’s selling.

Yeah, I know. That word might make some people cringe. Feels a little pushy, a little used-car-lot energy, right?

But let me tell you: selling is not just about making money — it’s about creating value, building trust, and opening doors. And once you get comfortable with it, you unlock a whole new level of freedom.

Let’s break this down. You’ll see why this matters whether you’re a corporate exec, a freelancer, an investor, or just someone figuring it all out.

💡 First, Let's Redefine “Selling”

Forget the outdated idea of slick hair, fake smiles, and high-pressure pitches.

Real selling is simply this:

Helping someone solve a problem they care about — and getting compensated for the solution.

If you’ve ever:

  • Recommended a movie to a friend

  • Convinced your partner where to eat dinner

  • Explained why someone should hire you…

Guess what? You’ve already sold. 😄

🧠 Why Everyone Needs to Learn This (Even If You Don’t “Sell” Anything Yet)

Here’s the secret: every career, business, and income stream depends on your ability to sell.

  • Want a raise or promotion? You need to sell your value.

  • Launching a product? You need to sell a solution.

  • Looking for investors? You’re selling your vision.

  • Building a personal brand? You’re selling yourself.

Even as an investor — you need to sell companies on letting you in early, founders on your strategic value, or limited partners on why you’re worth backing.

It’s all sales. Just with a better vibe.

🔑 5 Chill Ways to Get Better at Selling (Without Feeling Gross)

Let’s make this easy and human. No scripts. No sleaze.

1. Get obsessed with the problem

People don’t care about your product, your resume, or your service.

They care about their problem.

Start with empathy. Listen. Ask real questions. Get into their world.

Once they feel understood, the rest gets way easier.

2. Make it a conversation, not a pitch

Nobody likes being pitched at. But everybody likes talking about their challenges.

So instead of blasting benefits like a robot, try this:

  • “What are you working on right now?”

  • “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing?”

  • “If you could wave a magic wand, what would you fix?”

These open doors — and build trust.

3. Share stories, not features

Instead of saying, “My coaching program helps you grow your business,”

Try:
🗣️ “One of my clients went from stuck at $3K/month to $12K in 90 days — just by shifting their pricing model. Wanna hear how?”

Stories sell. They’re relatable. They stick. Use them.

4. Practice “permission-based” selling

This one’s a game changer:

“Would you be open to a few ideas that might help with that?”

It’s respectful. It gives people a choice. It lowers defenses.

And more often than not, they’ll say, “Sure!”

5. Detach from the outcome

Here’s the mindset shift: you’re not trying to “close the deal.” You’re trying to help.

When you release the pressure of “getting the yes,” you actually become way more effective — and likable.

Show up. Serve. Share. Let them decide.

📈 Bonus: How Selling Unlocks Wealth (Fast)

This isn’t just about being better at conversations. Selling creates leverage.

Here’s how:

  • You can launch and scale products faster

  • You convert more leads into paying clients

  • You attract higher-paying opportunities

  • You negotiate stronger deals

  • You build trust — which compounds like interest

Even learning to sell yourself confidently can land you higher-paying roles, better partnerships, and more influence.

Final Thought: You Already Know How to Do This

You don’t need to “become a salesperson.” You already are one — you just didn’t call it that.

What you need is to reframe how you think about it:

  • Less pressure.

  • More service.

  • Less selling.

  • More helping.

The more people you help solve meaningful problems, the more value you create — and the more money flows your way.

And hey, if you mess it up at first? No big deal. You’re learning. You’re growing. And every “no” is just one step closer to the right “yes.”

You got this 💪

Catch you in the next one,

Fun Stuff

🧩 Riddle

I’m not a person, but I hold shares.
I don’t eat, sleep, or breathe — yet I pay taxes.
People form me, sell me, and dissolve me.
What am I?

🕰️ Financial History: What Happened Today?

July 18, 1968:
Intel was founded by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore.
It became a cornerstone of Silicon Valley, ushering in the age of the microprocessor and laying the groundwork for modern computing.

🌀 Wild & Wacky Business Fact

In 1999, PayPal offered $10 to new users.
They lost millions — but acquired users so fast it became the blueprint for modern growth hacking.
📲💸 Sometimes losing money strategically is the fastest path to dominance.

🧠 Brain Teaser

You invest $1,000 into a fund that returns 10% annually, compounded.
How much will it be worth in 5 years?

*Answers at the bottom

Thought of The Day

Most people chase leverage through capital.
But in a digital world, attention is often the highest-yielding form of leverage — and it’s way harder to buy.

Answers

Riddle - Answer: A corporation

Brain Teaser - Answer:
Formula: FV = P(1 + r)^n
= 1,000 × (1.10)^5 ≈ $1,610.51

So your investment would grow to $1,610.51 after 5 years.

That’s All For Today

I hope you enjoyed today’s issue of The Wealth Wagon. If you have any questions regarding today’s issue or future issues feel free to reply to this email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Come back tomorrow for another market update, and snapshot. I hope to see you. 🤙

— Ryan Rincon, CEO and Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.

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