January 18, 2026

Happy Sunday, everyone ☀️
Good morning — hope today feels calm, cozy, and gives you a moment to breathe before the week ahead.

Here’s a gentle question to start the day: have you ever made a rushed decision just to get it done?
December has a funny way of turning “thoughtful planning” into last-minute pressure.

Today’s post explores why finalizing financial decisions in December is usually the worst time — and how a little patience and timing can lead to far better outcomes.

Because the best decisions often come when there’s space to think… not a deadline shouting in the background.

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Epicurus

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Dave Ramsey says wealth isn’t built through secrets or hacks but through consistent habits repeated over time. He emphasizes discipline, long-term thinking, and avoiding lifestyle inflation as the real differentiators. The message reinforces that most financial success comes from boring, repeatable behavior rather than shortcuts.

Social Security rules set a minimum benefit level, but the actual amount depends heavily on work history and timing. Retirees with limited earnings may still qualify for supplemental programs that boost monthly income. Understanding these thresholds is becoming more important as retirement costs continue rising.

Unexpected expenses are quietly eroding retirement income for many Americans. Medical bills, home repairs, and family support costs are among the biggest surprises. These unplanned costs often force retirees to adjust spending faster than expected.

Bitcoin’s recent rebound is being described as a bear-market rally rather than a full trend reversal. Analysts point to short-term technical factors and reduced selling pressure as key drivers. Longer-term momentum remains uncertain as macro risks still hang over crypto markets.

Concerns about quantum computing are pushing some traditional investors out of Bitcoin and into gold. The fear centers on future encryption risks rather than immediate threats. This shift highlights how emerging technologies can influence asset allocation decisions.

Short-term Bitcoin holders are locking in profits after the recent price surge. Large volumes of coins moving to exchanges suggest increased selling pressure. This behavior often signals heightened volatility in the near term.

Warnings of another economic downturn are resurfacing as analysts point to debt levels and slowing growth. Some economists argue that structural risks never fully disappeared after the last crisis. Others believe policy tools remain strong enough to prevent a full collapse.

Beef prices are hitting record highs, making grocery shopping noticeably more expensive. Supply constraints and higher production costs are driving the increases. Consumers are responding by cutting back or switching proteins.

China is reducing its holdings of U.S. debt while increasing gold reserves. The move signals a strategic shift aimed at diversifying away from dollar exposure. It also reflects broader geopolitical and financial tensions shaping global reserve strategies.

This is not about procrastination.
This is not about year-end tax panic.
This is not about holiday distractions.

This is about compression — and how making decisions when time is scarce removes leverage.

Most people assume:

“I’ll figure it out by year-end.”

That assumption is expensive.

By December:

You’re not planning.

You’re reacting.

In December, choices look like:

But options are limited.

Better choices existed earlier — they’re just gone now.

Advisors are overloaded.
Banks are cautious.
Institutions freeze changes.
Responses lag.

You’re negotiating in the least responsive month of the year.

By year-end, people are:

That leads to:

Good planning needs bandwidth.

December has none.

Multiple decisions get made at once:

Stacking increases tax exposure.

Sequencing reduces it.

December forces stacking.

Because deadlines feel productive.

But clean isn’t optimal.

This doesn’t require more work.

It requires earlier discomfort.

Effective operators:

That keeps options alive when they matter.