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August 27, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Good morning 🌞—I hope your day started with at least one small win (like perfect coffee or zero traffic).

Here’s something to think about: building wealth is great… but keeping your peace of mind while you do it? That’s the real flex. Because if your portfolio has you refreshing the markets every hour or losing sleep over every dip, is it really doing its job?

That’s what today’s post is all about: Why Your Portfolio Needs a “Sleep-Well Strategy” (and How to Build One). It’s the kind of approach that keeps your money growing and your stress levels low—because wealth is a lot more enjoyable when you’re not losing sleep over it.

So, let’s talk about how to set your finances on autopilot… and finally get that full eight hours. 😴

Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Quote of The Day

“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”

Charles Darwin

Market Update

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

Market Update: Markets are shining green today, and investors are loving it!

The Nasdaq cruised higher, up 0.44%, with tech names fueling the momentum, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones joined the rally, adding 0.41% and 0.30% respectively. Bitcoin kept its crypto crown, climbing 1.42% as traders leaned risk-on.

Commodities also got a little love—gold glistened with a 0.21% uptick, and silver inched up 0.19%. Over in the equity space, Amazon gained a healthy 0.34%, and Apple soared nearly 1%, proving once again why it’s Wall Street’s darling.

Not everyone’s in the party mood, though—Google slipped 0.65%, taking a cautious breather after its recent gains.

Overall, it’s a day where optimism is running high, and portfolios are smiling.

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World

French political turmoil rattles European markets
European stocks are facing sharp declines as political instability in France sends shockwaves through the financial sector. Analysts warn that continued uncertainty could weigh heavily on investor confidence across the EU. Markets are closely monitoring developments to gauge potential economic fallout.

Australia blames Iran for antisemitic arson attacks
Australian officials have attributed recent antisemitic arson attacks on its soil to Iran, heightening tensions between the two nations. The government is expected to increase security around vulnerable sites while working with allies to address the growing threat. The incidents have sparked outrage and calls for stronger counterterrorism measures.

Germany pledges security support during Ukraine visit
Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock visited Ukraine, offering renewed security guarantees amid ongoing Russian aggression. The trip underscores Berlin’s commitment to supporting Kyiv with both military aid and diplomatic backing. Discussions also focused on strengthening Ukraine’s integration into European frameworks.

Economy

German industry sheds 250,000 jobs in downturn
A new study reveals that Germany’s manufacturing sector has cut nearly a quarter of a million jobs as economic conditions worsen. Sluggish demand, energy costs, and global supply chain challenges are cited as major factors. Economists warn the trend could deepen if corrective measures aren’t taken soon.

“Clouds on the Horizon” for U.S. economy
Economic analysts are warning of potential instability ahead, citing a mix of rising costs, slowing growth, and global market volatility. While no immediate recession is forecast, businesses and investors are being advised to prepare for unpredictable conditions in the coming months.

Electricity prices surge, political impact grows
Electricity costs are climbing sharply, raising concerns for both households and companies. Experts suggest the spike could have significant political implications, putting pressure on lawmakers to find relief measures. Businesses in energy-intensive industries are particularly vulnerable to these rising costs.

Finance

Health insurance prices expected to rise
Industry experts warn that health insurance premiums are likely to increase significantly next year. The hikes are being attributed to rising medical costs and changes in provider networks. Consumers are being encouraged to review their coverage options ahead of open enrollment.

UnitedHealthcare and Johns Hopkins negotiations stall
Talks between UnitedHealthcare and Johns Hopkins over a new contract are ongoing, with no resolution in sight. Patients could face disruptions in care if the parties fail to reach an agreement. Stakeholders are urging both sides to prioritize patient needs during negotiations.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs see renewed inflows
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have ended a six-day outflow streak, drawing $219 million in new investments. The reversal signals renewed investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market. Analysts believe this could stabilize Bitcoin’s recent price volatility.

Science

Solar telescope captures record-breaking flare images
The Inouye Solar Telescope has delivered the most detailed images yet of solar flares and coronal loops. Scientists hope the findings will deepen understanding of solar activity and its effects on Earth’s communications and power grids. The breakthrough could lead to better forecasting of solar storms.

NASA rocket launch visible from North Carolina
NASA’s TOMEX+ rocket is set to launch from Virginia, with its trail expected to be visible across parts of North Carolina. The mission aims to study atmospheric conditions that affect satellite operations. Residents are being encouraged to look to the skies for a rare spectacle.

Cargo ship docks with ISS
A cargo ship has successfully arrived at the International Space Station, delivering essential supplies and research equipment. The delivery includes materials for experiments aimed at improving space travel safety. Astronauts are already unpacking critical items needed for ongoing missions.

Technology

Hasselblad unveils new HDR-enabled flagship camera
Hasselblad has announced a new medium format camera featuring end-to-end HDR capabilities. The advanced model is aimed at professional photographers seeking unparalleled image quality. Industry experts say the release could set a new benchmark for high-end photography equipment.

Details emerge on foldable iPhone
Leaks suggest that Apple is making significant progress on its first foldable iPhone, with a potential launch timeline coming into focus. Analysts predict the device could disrupt the smartphone market and challenge current foldable models from competitors. Consumer anticipation is already building.

Google Photos introduces sticker feature for iOS
Google Photos is rolling out a new feature on iOS that allows users to lift subjects from photos and turn them into custom stickers. The update adds a fun, creative layer for personalizing images and sharing them across platforms. Android users are expected to receive the feature later.

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Today’s Snapshot

Why Your Portfolio Needs a “Sleep-Well Strategy” (and How to Build One)

Alright, let’s get real for a second.

If you’ve been investing for more than, say, a week, you’ve probably had that moment where you open your app, see a sea of red, and think:

“Maybe I should just cash out and wait for things to ‘settle down.’”

Sound familiar? Don’t worry — you’re not broken. That’s just your brain trying to keep you safe.

The problem? Acting on that instinct is what keeps people broke.

The solution? A “Sleep-Well Strategy” — a portfolio setup that keeps you calm, steady, and confident no matter what the market is doing.

Here’s how to build one.

Step 1: Build Your Foundation First

Every solid portfolio starts with a base — something boring, steady, and reliable that grows over time. Think of it like the concrete slab your financial house sits on.

Here’s what that usually looks like:

  • Index Funds: An S&P 500 fund (like VOO or SPY) or a total market fund (like VTI or VTSAX).

  • International Exposure: A fund like VXUS or IXUS gives you access to the rest of the world.

  • Bond Funds (Optional): If you’re risk-averse or closer to retirement, a bond fund like BND adds stability.

Why this matters:

  • Low fees

  • Broad diversification

  • Automatic exposure to the growth of the economy

Your base is what lets you sleep at night — because even if tech stocks or crypto tank, this part keeps you steady.

Step 2: Add a Dash of Growth

Now that your foundation is secure, it’s time to add a little spice — the stuff that gives your portfolio a chance to grow faster.

This can be:

  • Sector ETFs — Tech (XLK), Healthcare (XLV), Energy (XLE)

  • Dividend Growth Stocks — Companies with a history of raising dividends

  • Small Cap Funds — Like VB, for more aggressive growth potential

Key rule here: no more than 20-30% of your total portfolio.
That way, if the “fun stuff” crashes, you don’t lose sleep or your future.

Step 3: Decide Your Rules (and Stick to Them)

The market is like a toddler — unpredictable and emotional.
If you don’t have rules in place before things get wild, you’re going to make bad calls.

Set your rules early:

  • How much you invest per month (and automate it)

  • Your allocation split (e.g., 70% base, 20% growth, 10% speculative)

  • When you’ll rebalance (once or twice a year, no more)

Write these rules down somewhere you’ll see them. Because trust me — when panic hits, you’ll forget all your good intentions.

Step 4: Keep a “Speculative Sandbox”

Let’s be honest: no matter how disciplined you are, there will always be a part of you that wants to swing for the fences.

That’s where your sandbox comes in.

Give yourself 5-10% of your portfolio for:

  • Crypto plays

  • Individual growth stocks

  • Startup equity or private investments

This scratches the itch to “do something” without risking the entire portfolio you’ve worked hard to build.

Pro tip: Treat this money as already gone. That way, if it pays off, it’s a fun bonus — not the thing you were depending on for retirement.

Step 5: Zoom Out and Let Time Do Its Thing

The hardest part of investing isn’t finding the right stocks or timing the market. It’s staying in the game long enough to let compounding work its magic.

Remember this stat:

  • If you invested $500/month in the S&P 500 for the last 20 years, you’d have over $400,000 today — and that’s through multiple crashes.

That’s the power of time in the market vs. timing the market.

So when you feel tempted to panic-sell during a downturn, zoom out. Look at a 30-year chart of the market. Notice the dips? Notice how they all eventually look like tiny blips in an upward climb?

That’s why the “sleep-well strategy” works — it keeps you invested through the noise.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Let’s run through a quick example.

Say you’ve got $1,000/month to invest. Here’s how a sleep-well portfolio might break down:

  • 70% ($700) → Total Market Index Fund (VTI)

  • 20% ($200) → Growth Play (Tech ETF or Dividend Growth Fund)

  • 10% ($100) → Speculative Sandbox (crypto, individual stocks, etc.)

Automate all of it. Check in once a quarter. Rebalance once a year.
And then? Go live your life.

The Payoff

Here’s what happens when you do this consistently:

  • You stop stressing over market headlines.

  • You start seeing steady, compounding growth.

  • You have the freedom to make smarter, calmer decisions — in investing and in life.

Because at the end of the day, that’s the real goal. Not just wealth — but peace of mind that lets you enjoy the ride.

Final Thought

Investing doesn’t have to feel like a second job, and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a casino.

Set up a portfolio that helps you sleep well. Automate it. Stick to your rules. And give it time.

Because ten years from now? Future You will be sipping that coffee, smiling, and saying:

“Man, I’m so glad I started when I did.”

Fun Stuff

😂 Funny Joke

Why don’t auditors trust stairs?
Because they’re always up to something! 🪜

📆 This Day in Financial History

On August 27, 1859, the first oil well in the U.S. was drilled in Pennsylvania by Edwin Drake. This marked the birth of the modern petroleum industry.

🤯 Wild & Wacky Business Fact

In Iceland, you can pay taxes with sheep. Yes, livestock is still an accepted form of partial tax payment in some rural communities. 🐑

⚖️ Would You Rather…

Would you rather have perfect public speaking skills but no social media presence,
OR 10 million followers online but freeze every time you speak in public?

*Answers at the bottom

Thought of The Day

Your future self is quietly depending on you. The small, consistent efforts today create the momentum for massive breakthroughs tomorrow.

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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