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August 10, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Sunday, everyone! 🌞
Good morning! I hope you’re somewhere cozy, with a mug in hand and zero urgency to change out of pajamas (you deserve it).

Let’s talk about something that sounds big and intimidating but really isn’t: investing.
There’s this myth that it’s reserved for people with yachts, cufflinks, or a “family office.” Not true.

Here’s the real story: investing isn’t about being rich — it’s how many people get rich. And the best part? You don’t need a pile of cash to begin. Just a few dollars, some curiosity, and a willingness to play the long game.

Today’s post breaks down how you can start building wealth even if you’re currently in “broke-ish but motivated” mode.
No gatekeeping. No jargon. Just real momentum.

Let’s demystify the money game, one step at a time.

Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Quote of The Day

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

Plato

PRESENTED BY THE MARKETING MILLENIALS

Marketing ideas for marketers who hate boring

The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it. That’s what The Marketing Millennials delivers: real insights, fresh takes, and no fluff. Written by Daniel Murray, a marketer who knows what works, this newsletter cuts through the noise so you can stop guessing and start winning. Subscribe and level up your marketing game.

Finance

Apple’s $2.5B investment set to transform Harrodsburg, Mercer County
Apple has announced a $2.5 billion investment in Harrodsburg and Mercer County, promising to bring jobs and significant economic growth to the region. The project is expected to revitalize local infrastructure, attract new businesses, and create thousands of employment opportunities. Local officials are praising the move as a major win for the area’s economy. Construction and development are set to begin later this year.

Affordable Care Act rates set to skyrocket in NC
North Carolina residents may soon face sharp increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance premiums. Officials say rising healthcare costs, inflation, and insurer demands are driving the spike. This could put additional financial pressure on families already struggling with other cost-of-living increases. Lawmakers are exploring potential measures to offset the burden, but no immediate solutions are in place.

Harvard Reveals $116 Million Investment in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF
Harvard University’s endowment fund has disclosed a $116 million investment in BlackRock’s Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). This marks a significant step for institutional cryptocurrency adoption and signals growing confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset. Experts say Harvard’s move could inspire other major institutions to follow suit. The investment also comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of digital assets.

Crypto

Crypto-coin creator claims responsibility for graphic WNBA trend amid arrests
The creator of a controversial cryptocurrency linked to a graphic online WNBA trend has publicly claimed responsibility following a string of related arrests. Authorities allege the coin was part of an online campaign that violated multiple laws. The situation has sparked debates about free speech, online harassment, and the ethics of meme-based tokens. Legal experts warn that the case could set important precedents for future crypto regulation.

CrediX team vanishes after $4.5 million exploit, deletes socials and takes website offline
Investors in CrediX were shocked when the project’s development team disappeared after a $4.5 million exploit. The group deleted all social media accounts and shut down the website, leaving token holders scrambling for answers. Blockchain investigators are tracking transactions in an effort to locate the stolen funds. The incident is the latest in a series of crypto exit scams damaging investor trust.

Dogwifhat original pink beanie sells to memecoin launchpad founder for $800K — far less than $4.3M
The original pink beanie associated with the Dogwifhat meme was sold for $800,000 to the founder of a memecoin launchpad project. While the sale price is significant, it’s far below the previous $4.3 million purchase amount, highlighting volatility in NFT and meme-related asset valuations. Fans of the project have mixed reactions, with some calling it a smart buy and others seeing it as a sign of declining hype. The transaction adds to ongoing discussions about the sustainability of meme asset markets.

U.S.

Mexico’s President Says U.S. Forces Are Unwelcome in Her Country
Mexico’s president has made it clear that U.S. military forces are not welcome within the country’s borders. The statement comes amid growing tensions over security cooperation and sovereignty. While the U.S. has pushed for joint efforts against organized crime, Mexican officials insist on maintaining full control over domestic operations. Diplomatic channels are working to manage the fallout.

Putin needles U.S. by giving Trump envoy an award meant for CIA official whose son died fighting for Ukraine
In a pointed diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented an award intended for a CIA officer to a Trump envoy. The act is being widely interpreted as a political jab at the U.S. intelligence community. Observers say the gesture could further strain already tense relations between Washington and Moscow. The U.S. government has yet to issue an official response.

Japan Says Trump to Correct ‘Extremely Regrettable’ Error in Tariff Order
Japan’s government says former President Trump has agreed to correct what it calls an “extremely regrettable” error in a recent tariff order. The dispute centers on trade measures that inadvertently harmed Japanese exports. Negotiations are ongoing, and Japanese officials are pushing for a swift resolution. The correction could ease tensions between the two allies.

Business

US licenses Nvidia to export chips to China, official says
The U.S. government has granted Nvidia a license to export certain advanced chips to China, despite ongoing restrictions on high-end technology sales. Officials say the move is carefully structured to balance national security concerns with commercial interests. The license allows Nvidia to serve key Chinese clients without violating export controls.

Why Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are fueling stagflation concerns among economists
Economists are warning that former President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs could trigger stagflation — a dangerous mix of slow economic growth, high unemployment, and rising prices. The tariffs target a wide range of imports, potentially increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike. Experts say the measures could stifle spending while driving inflation higher, making it harder for policymakers to respond.

Car Companies Are Paying Tariffs So You Don’t Have To
Automakers are adjusting their pricing strategies to absorb the costs of new tariffs rather than passing them on to consumers. Industry leaders say this approach is necessary to stay competitive in a challenging market. While the move shields buyers in the short term, it could impact manufacturers’ profit margins and long-term investments.

Personal Finance

As Social Security turns 90, lessons from the past can guide its future
As Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary, experts are reflecting on its historical successes and challenges. The program, which provides financial support to millions of Americans, is facing questions about long-term sustainability. Policy analysts are urging reforms to ensure benefits remain secure for future generations. Historical lessons, they argue, can help guide modernization efforts without sacrificing core protections.

Layin’ it on the Line: What the Big Beautiful Bill means for pre-retirees, retirees going forward
The "Big Beautiful Bill," recently introduced in Congress, could significantly affect both current retirees and those nearing retirement. It includes provisions for tax relief, expanded benefits, and increased protections for retirement savings. Supporters say it’s a win for older Americans, while critics warn of its potential cost to the federal budget. Financial planners are already analyzing how the bill could shape retirement strategies.

Why Headline Tariff Rates Tell You So Little
A new analysis warns that focusing solely on headline tariff rates can be misleading for understanding their real economic impact. Experts note that factors such as exemptions, enforcement, and related trade measures play a significant role in how tariffs actually affect markets. Investors and business leaders are being urged to dig deeper into the details before making decisions. The piece comes amid heightened trade tensions and economic uncertainty.

Today’s Snapshot

“Investing Isn’t Just for the Rich” — Why Now’s the Time to Start (Yes, Even If You’re Broke-ish)

Let’s talk about something that’s often overcomplicated, overly intimidating, and definitely understood by fewer people than we like to admit — yep, I’m talking about investing.

Whether you’re a corporate warrior juggling meetings and KPIs, a business owner scaling your empire, or someone still trying to figure out where the heck to start making money — this one’s for you.

Let’s bust a big myth real quick:

You don’t need to be rich to invest.
You need to invest to get rich.

Mind blown? Maybe not. But a lot of people have it backwards. They think investing is what you do after you make bank.

Nope. It's actually how you start building wealth, even if you're starting small.

“Okay cool… but invest in what exactly?”

Here’s the good news: you’ve got options.

Let’s break it down like you and I are grabbing coffee (and maybe a cookie because this stuff should be fun).

🧠 1. Index Funds (aka the Chill Investor’s BFF)

  • You’re not trying to pick the next Tesla or guess when to buy Apple stock.

  • You just want slow, steady growth over time.

  • Index funds (like those tracking the S&P 500) are like planting a money tree and watering it with time.

  • Low cost. Low stress. Long-term win.

“But isn’t the market risky?”
Yep. But historically, the market has always recovered and grown. It’s like a rollercoaster with a jetpack attached to the back.

📈 2. Dollar-Cost Averaging (aka Investing Without the Drama)

  • Fancy term. Simple idea.

  • You invest a set amount regularly — like $100 every month.

  • Sometimes the market is up, sometimes it's down. But over time, you smooth out the highs and lows.

  • Great for people who don’t want to time the market (which, to be clear, is pretty much everyone).

🏠 3. Real Estate (More Than Just Buying a House)

  • Buying property isn’t the only way.

  • REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) let you invest in real estate like you would a stock — no landlord duties required.

  • You get access to the real estate market without needing a six-figure down payment or a toolkit.

📱 4. Apps & Automation (Investing for the Lazy Genius)

  • If you're just getting started and don't want to overthink it, try apps like:

    • Acorns (rounds up spare change and invests it)

    • Betterment or Wealthfront (automated investing)

    • Public or Fidelity (DIY, with solid education resources)

  • They’re like your money-savvy sidekick, doing the work in the background.

But what if you’re not ready to invest yet?

That's totally okay. Here's what you can do right now:

  • Start learning. Read a book, subscribe to a podcast, follow credible people on X or YouTube.

  • Build the habit of saving. Even if it’s just $20/month. It’s not the amount — it’s the muscle memory.

  • Get your house in order. Pay down high-interest debt. Set up an emergency fund. Investing while drowning in credit card debt is like trying to sprint with bricks in your shoes.

The Secret Sauce? Start Small, Stay Consistent.

Most people don’t start because they think they need a lot of money or some secret financial degree.

What they actually need is:

  • A bit of discipline 🧘

  • A pinch of patience 🕰️

  • And a tiny bit of courage to get started 🚀

A Quick Pep Talk Before You Go

If no one told you this today: You’re not behind. You’re not too late. And you absolutely can do this.

We’re all on different timelines. Some of us are optimizing our portfolios. Others are just now realizing “wait… I probably shouldn’t leave all my cash in a savings account making 0.01%.”

It’s all good.

Investing is like planting seeds. You won’t see the tree tomorrow — but in 5, 10, 15 years?

You’ll be thanking your past self big time.

So go plant a few seeds today. 🌱

TL;DR (Too Long; Definitely Worth Reading Anyway 😉):

  • You don’t need to be rich to invest. You need to invest to get rich.

  • Start with what you can. Use index funds, dollar-cost averaging, or beginner-friendly apps.

  • Focus on consistency, not perfection.

  • Begin now. Thank yourself later.

PRESENTED BY PACASO

Former Zillow exec targets $1.3T market

The wealthiest companies tend to target the biggest markets. For example, NVIDIA skyrocketed nearly 200% higher in the last year with the $214B AI market’s tailwind.

That’s why investors are so excited about Pacaso.

Created by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso brings co-ownership to a $1.3 trillion real estate market. And by handing keys to 2,000+ happy homeowners, they’ve made $110M+ in gross profit to date. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

No wonder the same VCs behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay also invested in Pacaso. And for just $2.90/share, you can join them as an early-stage Pacaso investor today.

Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.

Fun Stuff

😂 Funny Joke

Why did the startup founder bring a ladder to the pitch meeting?

Because they heard the investors were looking for "high-level" ideas. 🚀

🕰️ Financial History: What Happened Today?

August 10, 1987:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed 2,700 points for the first time — just two months before the 1987 market crash known as Black Monday.

(Markets can climb fast… but fall faster.)

🌀 Wild & Wacky

Apple once created a “fashion line” in the 1980s, complete with rainbow-logo windbreakers and visors.

(Turns out… not even Steve Jobs could make branded socks cool.)

🤔 Would You Rather

Would you rather…

  • Get 5% equity in a promising startup, or

  • Receive $250K cash today — no strings attached?

(Are you the investor… or the casher-outer?)

Thought of The Day

How much of your time is spent creating versus reacting?
Great businesses — and lives — are built proactively, not passively.

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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