August 20, 2025

Welcome Back,
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Good morning 🌞—I hope you woke up feeling more refreshed than your phone after an overnight charge.
Let’s be honest: the “rat race” has a way of making us feel like we’re running on a treadmill someone else controls. The faster we run, the faster it spins. But here’s the good news—there’s an off button. And that off button is ownership.
Today’s post dives into exactly that: why owning assets is the only real way to escape the rat race. Because while hard work pays bills, ownership builds freedom. Whether it’s stocks, real estate, or even a little side business you love, assets quietly do the heavy lifting while you focus on living.
So here’s to stepping off the wheel and onto solid ground 🚀. Let’s talk about building wealth that doesn’t just pay us today—but frees us tomorrow.
— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
Quote of The Day
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
– Winston Churchill
Market Update

*Market data represents the most recent market close at 5:00pm ET
Market Update: Wall Street had a rough start today, with the major indexes painting a mostly red picture. The Nasdaq slid by 1.46%, leading tech stocks lower, while the S&P 500 shed 0.59%. Only the Dow Jones managed to cling to the green, though barely, inching up 0.023%—a win so small it might need a magnifying glass.
Crypto didn’t fare much better, as Bitcoin plunged 2.43%, continuing its choppy ride, while traditional safe havens weren’t safe at all—gold dropped 0.58% and silver sank nearly 2%, showing investors aren’t finding much shelter anywhere.
On the corporate side, General Mills managed to rise a solid 1.16%, proving that cereal and snacks are still in demand even when markets wobble. But not everyone’s morning is looking sweet—Starbucks slid 1.74%, perhaps investors weren’t in the mood for overpriced lattes. Meanwhile, Boeing plunged 3.19%, extending its turbulence with investors clearly worried about its flight path forward.
Overall, it’s a risk-off day, with red splashes across the board, except for a handful of defensive plays. Looks like investors are buckling up for more market chop.
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U.S.

Trump assures U.S. won’t send ground troops to Ukraine
Donald Trump stated that the United States will not deploy ground troops to Ukraine, offering reassurance amid ongoing conflict. The comments come as tensions continue to escalate in the region, with calls for increased U.S. involvement. His remarks aim to set limits on American military commitments.
U.S. revokes 6,000 student visas, State Department says
The State Department announced the revocation of 6,000 student visas, citing security concerns. This large-scale move could significantly affect international students and U.S. universities. Officials stressed that the decision was taken to protect national interests.
Economic data takes a dark turn, but crash not imminent
New economic data shows worrying signals, but experts caution it doesn’t necessarily mean a recession is imminent. Analysts suggest the slowdown may reflect global pressures and policy shifts. The outlook remains uncertain but not catastrophic.
Economy

Vietnam’s tax revolution sparks debate
Vietnam is pushing ahead with sweeping tax reforms that critics warn may harm small businesses. Proponents argue the changes will modernize the economy and increase revenues. Observers are watching closely to see how these reforms reshape the market.
What if America faked its economic data?
CNN explored a hypothetical scenario of falsified U.S. economic data. Analysts warn that such manipulation could undermine global confidence, disrupt markets, and fuel instability. While unlikely, the piece highlights the importance of transparent reporting.
Industries that are dying, according to Americans
BuzzFeed collected public input on industries in decline, from print media to traditional retail. Many respondents expressed nostalgia while acknowledging rapid technological shifts. The responses show how quickly consumer behavior is reshaping entire sectors.
Personal Finance

Executive order expands retirement investment options
The President signed an executive order to broaden available retirement investment choices. The move aims to give Americans more flexibility in planning their financial futures. Advocates say it could help people diversify and strengthen savings.
Social Security payments going out August 20
Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments this week, with deposits scheduled for August 20. The payments come amid rising costs of living. Beneficiaries are urged to check eligibility and schedules for their exact payout date.
57-year-old with $500K in savings faces tough choices
A MarketWatch feature profiled a 57-year-old with nearly half a million in retirement savings. Despite this, the individual worries about long-term security. Financial experts weigh in on strategies to stretch savings and adjust plans.
Technology

Kirby Air Riders Direct showcases vehicular action
Nintendo unveiled Kirby Air Riders Direct, highlighting the game’s fast-paced vehicular combat. Fans were given a closer look at gameplay and new features. Excitement is building ahead of its release.
iPhone 18 may drop camera control button
Rumors suggest Apple’s iPhone 18 could remove the dedicated camera control button. Analysts remain skeptical, calling the claim unverified. Still, speculation continues to grow as Apple prepares for future launches.
What to expect at Google’s Pixel 10 event
Google is set to unveil its Pixel 10 lineup at an upcoming event. Expectations include upgraded AI features, improved hardware, and design tweaks. Enthusiasts anticipate how it will stack up against competitors.
World

China pledges to meet India’s rare earth needs
China has promised to help India secure rare earth supplies, according to reports. The move could strengthen economic ties while balancing geopolitical competition. Rare earths are critical for high-tech industries.
Wildfires rage across Spain and Portugal
Massive wildfires have burned record amounts of land across Spain and Portugal. Authorities are struggling to contain the blazes amid extreme heat. Residents in multiple regions have been forced to evacuate.
Russia launches major August strike on Ukraine
Russia carried out its largest August attack on Ukraine following a meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. The strikes intensified already heavy fighting across the region. Ukraine’s allies are closely monitoring the escalation.
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Today’s Snapshot
🌍 Why Owning Assets is the Only Way to Escape the Rat Race
Hey friend,
Let’s have a straight talk.
If you’re trading hours for dollars — no matter how good the paycheck is — you’re still in the same trap: your money stops when you stop.
And that’s fine for a while. Most of us start there. But if you want real wealth, the kind that outlives your job title, you’ve got to shift the game. You don’t just need income. You need assets.
🧩 What Exactly is an Asset?
Most people hear “asset” and think:
A house
A stock portfolio
Maybe even a business
But here’s the actual definition: an asset is anything that puts money in your pocket without requiring more of your time.
That could be:
Real estate rentals
Dividend-paying stocks
A business you own (but don’t run every day)
Digital assets like a blog, YouTube channel, or course that earn while you sleep
Notice the theme? These things don’t ask you to clock in every morning.
🚦 The Three Lanes of Wealth
Think of wealth building like a highway. There are three main lanes people drive in:
1. Earned Income (The Slow Lane)
This is your salary, your freelance work, your “I put in hours, I get paid” deal.
It’s the most common.
It pays the bills.
But it’s capped by your time and energy.
2. Business Ownership (The Middle Lane)
This is where you own a system that pays you — a restaurant, a SaaS company, an e-commerce brand.
Higher upside.
Still stressful unless you build the right team.
But this lane creates leverage.
3. Asset Ownership (The Fast Lane)
This is where the magic happens.
Stocks, real estate, royalties, equity in companies.
The money comes in even when you’re not “on.”
This is how the wealthy stay wealthy across generations.
Most people never make it out of lane one. That’s why they feel stuck.
⚡ The Big Shift: From Consumer to Owner
Here’s the mindset tweak that changes everything:
A consumer thinks: “I want the new iPhone.”
An owner thinks: “I want to own Apple stock, so every time someone buys that iPhone, I benefit.”
One drains your wallet. The other fills it.
📈 How to Start Owning Assets (Even If You’re Broke Right Now)
Okay, let’s make this practical.
Here’s the roadmap, no matter where you are today:
Automate Stock Investing
Start with index funds (boring = effective).
Set it on autopilot: a little bit every paycheck.
Dividends + compounding will quietly snowball in the background.
Get a Piece of Real Estate
Not ready for a rental? Fine.
Buy a REIT (real estate investment trust). It’s like owning a slice of buildings without the headaches of tenants.
Turn Skills Into Assets
Write, teach, record, code.
That eBook, YouTube video, or app can keep paying you long after the work is done.
It may start small, but it stacks over time.
Get Equity, Not Just a Paycheck
If you’re in corporate, ask: “Is there a way to earn stock options?”
If you freelance, ask: “Can I trade a discount on my rate for a small equity stake?”
Little slices of ownership compound like crazy.
🕒 Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Here’s a fun stat:
If you invest $500 a month starting at age 25, you’ll likely have over $1M by retirement.
If you wait until 35? You’ll only have about half that.
Same $500. Same market. The only difference? Time.
🛠️ Action Steps You Can Take This Week
Write down every dollar you earn right now. Which lane is it in? (Earned, business, or asset?)
Commit to moving at least 10% of your income into the asset lane.
Pick one asset type (stocks, real estate, digital) and take your first baby step this week.
🎯 Final Thought
Listen, your career, business, or hustle is awesome. But they’re vehicles to generate cash. The endgame is owning assets that give you freedom.
Because freedom isn’t about working less. It’s about having the choice to work less — without your income crashing.
So here’s your friendly reminder: next time you make money, don’t just spend it. Don’t just save it. Own something.
That’s how you escape the rat race. That’s how you buy back your time. That’s how you build wealth that actually sticks.
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Fun Stuff
🏢 Guess the Company
This company began as a bookstore in a garage and today dominates cloud computing, e-commerce, and streaming. Its founder once delivered packages himself.
📆 This Day in Financial History
August 20, 1997 – Apple introduced the Power Macintosh G3, one of the first computers optimized for creative professionals. It set the stage for Apple’s comeback story. 🍏💻
🤯 Wild & Wacky
McDonald’s once tried to introduce bubblegum-flavored broccoli to appeal to kids. Spoiler alert: it was a massive flop. Kids were more confused than delighted. 🥦🍬
⚖️ Would You Rather…
Would you rather never have to pay taxes again OR always know the perfect time to invest in the stock market?
*Answers at the bottom
Thought of The Day
Sometimes the loudest voices in the room drown out the subtle truths. Train yourself to hear the quiet signals—they often hold the greatest opportunities.
Answers
Guess the Company - Answer: Amazon 📦
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.