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August 19, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Good morning ☀️—I hope today greets you with more wins than misplaced keys and stronger energy than your Wi-Fi signal on a Zoom call.

Here’s something to think about: when we picture wealth, our minds often jump to big breakthroughs—lottery wins, million-dollar ideas, or sudden windfalls. But truthfully? The hidden power is usually tucked into the tiny wins. That extra $50 saved, the side hustle invoice paid, or even choosing homemade coffee over the $7 latte (okay, maybe not every time).

Today’s post is all about that: the hidden power of small financial wins. They don’t look flashy at first, but stacked over time, they quietly build the kind of wealth that makes life lighter and options wider.

So, let’s raise a mug (whatever’s in it) to the small wins—they may be humble, but they’re mighty. 🚀

Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Quote of The Day

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

Socrates

Market Update

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

Market Update: Wall Street served up a bit of a mixed platter today — some wins, some losses, and a few head-scratchers in between.

📈 Nasdaq managed a teeny-tiny gain, like someone just nudged it upward by accident, while the S&P 500 slipped ever so slightly, practically flatlining. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones took a baby step back, reminding us that even giants can stumble.

💰 Bitcoin couldn’t catch a break, dipping again as crypto traders got jittery, and gold lost a little shine too. But in a twist, silver found its sparkle, sneaking into positive territory.

🏦 On the corporate side, Berkshire Hathaway flexed its muscle with a small but steady climb — the kind of move that whispers “we’re still the heavyweight champ.” PayPal bounced higher too, proving it’s not ready to be left behind in the fintech shuffle.

💳 The loser’s corner? Visa took a noticeable step back, leaving investors side-eyeing the credit card titan.

All in all, today felt like a tug-of-war between optimism and caution — a reminder that markets love to keep us guessing.

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Politics

West Virginia, South Carolina to Deploy National Guard Troops to US Capital
Both West Virginia and South Carolina announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. This move comes amid heightened security concerns, though officials have not provided specific threats. The deployments reflect ongoing tensions in the nation’s capital as leaders prepare for potential unrest.

Hong Kong Court Begins Hearing Final Arguments in Jimmy Lai’s National Security Trial
A Hong Kong court has entered the final stage of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai’s high-profile national security trial. Lai, a media tycoon, faces charges under Beijing’s sweeping law that critics say stifles dissent. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving free speech and political opposition in Hong Kong.

Putin’s Bodyguards Carried ‘Poop Suitcase’ to Alaska Summit With Trump: Report
A new report claims that President Putin’s security team transported a suitcase containing his excrement during a summit with Donald Trump in Alaska. The unusual measure was allegedly taken to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from analyzing his health. The story underscores the extreme precautions world leaders sometimes take to maintain secrecy.

World

Air Canada Suspends Profit Forecast as Striking Union Defies Back-to-Work Order
Air Canada has withdrawn its financial forecast after a striking workers’ union rejected a government back-to-work order. The disruption is affecting flights and creating uncertainty for the airline’s recovery. The labor conflict highlights tensions between corporate profitability and worker demands.

Socialist Era Ends in Bolivia as Pro-Business Candidates Triumph
Bolivia’s latest elections mark the end of a socialist era as pro-business candidates secure victory. The shift reflects growing voter concerns over economic stagnation and the need for foreign investment. Analysts suggest this could reshape the country’s policies and international alignments.

Thousands of Palestinians Leave Gaza City Fearing Israeli Offensive
Thousands of Palestinians have begun evacuating Gaza City amid rising fears of a large-scale Israeli offensive. Residents describe chaotic scenes as families flee with limited resources. The exodus signals escalating tensions and the possibility of a major humanitarian crisis.

Finance

Gold Prices Edge Higher; Russia-Ukraine, Jackson Hole Symposium in Spotlight
Gold prices are ticking upward as investors weigh geopolitical risks and upcoming signals from the Jackson Hole Symposium. Russia’s war in Ukraine and global inflation fears are fueling demand for safe-haven assets. Analysts say gold could continue to climb if uncertainty persists.

Huge Numbers of Ohioans to See Big Increases in Insurance Costs
Ohio residents are bracing for sharp hikes in insurance premiums, affecting both health and auto coverage. Experts say inflation, medical costs, and severe weather claims are fueling the increases. The spike is expected to strain household budgets across the state.

Dollar Braces for Busy Week of Geopolitics and Fed Speak
The U.S. dollar faces a pivotal week as traders prepare for geopolitical developments and key Federal Reserve speeches. Analysts expect heightened volatility depending on signals about future rate cuts. The greenback’s direction could set the tone for global markets.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Has ‘Greater Than 50% Chance’ of $150K Before Bear Hits: Exec
A crypto executive predicts Bitcoin could reach $150,000 before entering its next bear market. Optimism is fueled by institutional adoption and strong retail demand. Still, risks remain as volatility continues to define the crypto landscape.

Another Solo Bitcoin Miner Hits Jackpot With $371,000 Block Reward
A lone Bitcoin miner has struck gold, securing a $371,000 reward by solving a block on the network. Such rare wins highlight the unpredictability of mining success. The story has reignited interest in solo mining despite its low odds.

Strategy Adds $51M in Bitcoin as BTC Hits $124K Ahead of Dip
Investment firm Strategy has increased its Bitcoin holdings by $51 million as the cryptocurrency approached $124,000. The move suggests confidence in long-term growth despite short-term volatility. Analysts see this as a sign that institutional players remain bullish on digital assets.

Travel

Carnival Cruise Passengers Drown Hours Apart at Resort
Two Carnival cruise passengers tragically drowned at a resort within hours of each other. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the deaths. The incidents have raised safety concerns among cruise travelers and local officials.

As Las Vegas Tourism Declines, Rural Desert Town Offers Detour
With Las Vegas tourism slowing, a nearby rural desert town is seizing the opportunity to attract visitors. Promoting outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, the town aims to provide an alternative to the Strip. Local leaders hope the strategy boosts their struggling economy.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Liner Makes Unexpected Stop in Port Canaveral
A Royal Caribbean ship made an unscheduled stop at Port Canaveral, surprising passengers and locals alike. The detour was reportedly due to logistical adjustments in its itinerary. Cruise operators emphasized that passenger experiences would not be affected.

Today’s Snapshot

💡 The Hidden Power of Small Financial Wins

Let’s be real for a second: when people think about “building wealth,” the first thing that comes to mind is usually something big. Buying property. Launching a company. Landing a huge investment win.

And sure, those are awesome. But here’s the secret most people overlook: the little wins matter just as much — sometimes more.

Think of wealth like fitness. You don’t get abs because you did one killer workout on Monday. You get them because you keep showing up, meal after meal, rep after rep. Money’s the same way.

So today, I want to show you how “small wins” can quietly snowball into big freedom.

Why Small Wins Are a Big Deal 🚀

The problem with only chasing “big moves” is that they’re rare. You can’t buy a house every month or sell your company every year. If you’re waiting on a giant payday, you’ll spend most of your life… waiting.

But small wins? Those you can stack daily, weekly, monthly. And over time, they start working like compound interest — but on your habits, decisions, and even your mindset.

Here’s the kicker: the person who nails small wins consistently will often beat the one who only swings for home runs.

Real-Life Small Wins (That Add Up Fast)

Alright, let’s make this practical. Here are a few examples of small financial wins that anyone — whether you’re a seasoned exec, an entrepreneur, or a 20-year-old just getting started — can rack up:

  • Automating Investments

    • Even $200/month into a simple index fund grows into six figures in a couple decades.

    • You don’t feel the money leave, but your future self will definitely notice the pile it becomes.

  • Negotiating “Invisible” Expenses

    • Called your internet or insurance company lately? A 20-minute call could save you $50–$100/month. That’s $600–$1,200/year for the same service.

  • One Extra Income Stream

    • Could be a freelance gig, a digital product, or even renting out stuff you don’t use. Doesn’t need to be huge. Even an extra $500/month can change your savings rate dramatically.

  • Investing in Learning

    • Reading one finance book, taking a course, or picking up a new skill might give you a raise, new clients, or a side business. The ROI on knowledge compounds forever.

Why This Works (Psychology of Wins) 🧠

Beyond the math, there’s a mental game at play.

Every time you score a small win — save $100, invest automatically, bump your income slightly — you’re telling your brain: I’m the kind of person who builds wealth.

And once you start identifying that way, the bigger wins actually become easier. Why? Because your habits and confidence line up.

Think of it like leveling up in a video game. You don’t start at “Final Boss.” You collect coins, you beat smaller challenges, you get stronger. By the time the big opportunity shows up (a business deal, a property, a promotion), you’re ready for it.

The Layered Effect 🍰

Here’s what makes small wins magical: they layer.

  • That $200/month investment → becomes $100k+.

  • That $100 saved on bills → funds the investment account.

  • That side hustle → pays down debt faster.

  • That freed-up income → buys into bigger investments later.

It’s not one small win. It’s one win feeding another. And before you know it, your financial life looks totally different than it did 12 months ago.

How to Start Today (Yes, Today) ⚡

If you’re reading this and nodding along but thinking, “Cool… where do I start?” here’s the challenge:

👉 Pick one small win this week. Just one.

Some ideas:

  • Cancel one subscription you don’t use.

  • Open an investment account (even with $50).

  • Put a calendar reminder to negotiate a bill.

  • Sell something sitting in your garage.

  • Watch one YouTube video on a skill that could earn you money.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the “perfect move.” Small wins aren’t about perfection — they’re about momentum.

Final Thought 🌱

The wealthiest people you know didn’t get there from one magical event. They got there because they stacked small wins that added up until everyone else called them “lucky.”

  • You don’t need to flip a company to build freedom.

  • You don’t need to own five properties to start investing.

  • You don’t need to be a genius — you just need to show up for yourself, again and again.

So forget waiting for the home run. Start collecting base hits. Stack them. Layer them. And one day you’ll look around and realize… you’ve built wealth almost by accident.

That’s the power of small wins.

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Fun Stuff

😂 Joke of the Day

Why don’t stock market experts ever read novels?
Because the only numbers in them are the page numbers. 📚📉

🕵️ Riddle Me This

I’m always running but never move. I have a mouth but never speak.
What am I?

📆 This Day in Financial History

August 19, 2004Google went public with its IPO, raising $1.67 billion. The opening price was $85 per share… today it’s worth a lot more. 🚀

🧩 Brain Teaser – The Two Doors

You stand before two doors: one leads to freedom, the other to certain doom. Two guards stand there—one always tells the truth, the other always lies. You may ask one guard one question to find the safe door.

What do you ask?

*Answers at the bottom

Thought of The Day

Great opportunities rarely arrive with labels. Sometimes they’re disguised as problems, challenges, or even failures. Train yourself to see beyond the surface chaos to the hidden door.

Answers

Riddle - Answer: A river 🌊

Brain Teaser - Answer: Ask either guard: “If I were to ask the other guard which door leads to freedom, which would they point to?” Then go through the opposite door.

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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