January 9, 2026

Happy Friday, everyone! ☀️
Good morning — hope your coffee’s strong and your inbox feels a little lighter today.

Quick question to kick things off: What if part of your paycheck didn’t come in cash at all?
Equity has a funny way of feeling like money… without behaving like it.

Today’s post breaks down how high earners accidentally pay more taxes than they need to and how understanding it can completely change the way you think about income, risk, and long-term wealth.

Because sometimes the smartest money moves don’t look like money at first.

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— James Clear

Market Update: Markets were mixed today as investors rotated between sectors rather than moving in one clear direction. The Nasdaq slipped 0.44%, weighed down by selective tech selling, while the S&P 500 finished essentially flat, signaling hesitation rather than fear. The Dow Jones stood out to the upside, gaining 0.55% as money flowed into more defensive and value-oriented names.

Bitcoin edged slightly lower (-0.14%), showing relative stability near recent highs despite broader market uncertainty. Precious metals continued to attract interest, with Gold rising 0.27% and Silver jumping 1.56%, reinforcing their role as short-term hedges during choppy sessions.

On the stock side, Tesla gained 1.02%, showing renewed momentum, while Visa pulled back 1.03%. Vanguard was mostly unchanged, reflecting the market’s overall pause-and-rotate tone.

Overall, this was a classic rotation day — not a selloff — with capital quietly shifting rather than exiting the market.

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U.S. trade deficit hits lowest level since 2009
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply as tariffs and shifting supply chains reduced imports and boosted domestic production. Officials say trade flows are being reshaped toward regional partners and U.S.-based manufacturing. Economists caution the improvement may be uneven if global demand weakens later this year.

White House weighs incentives to sway Greenland closer to U.S.
The administration is reportedly exploring financial and strategic incentives to deepen ties with Greenland amid growing Arctic competition. Supporters frame the idea as long-term geopolitical positioning tied to security and resources. Critics argue it risks diplomatic backlash and oversimplifies Greenland’s autonomy concerns.

U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issues new security alert
American officials warned citizens in Ukraine of heightened security risks following recent developments. The alert urges vigilance, preparedness, and close monitoring of official guidance. Embassy operations continue with enhanced precautions in place.

Venezuela pledges prisoner releases after U.S. captures Maduro
Venezuelan officials say they will release detainees following the U.S. operation involving President Nicolás Maduro. The announcement signals a possible de-escalation while talks intensify behind the scenes. Analysts remain skeptical about follow-through and broader political reform.

Why Diosdado Cabello is emerging as Trump’s next focus
Attention has turned to Diosdado Cabello as U.S. pressure on Venezuela expands beyond Maduro himself. Cabello’s long-standing influence and alleged ties to corruption make him a strategic target. Observers say this could widen the confrontation across Venezuela’s power structure.

White House claims maximum leverage over Venezuela
U.S. officials insist current sanctions and diplomatic moves give Washington unprecedented leverage. The strategy centers on coordinated pressure with regional allies and financial restrictions. Critics warn the approach may harden resistance without producing quick political change.

Tax filing season opens early for eager filers
Taxpayers who like to file early will be able to submit returns starting January 26. Officials say earlier processing could mean faster refunds for straightforward filings. Experts still recommend double-checking documents to avoid delays or amended returns.

Can XRP rally in 2026 as crypto outlook shifts
Supporters argue ETFs, expanding use cases, and regulatory clarity could drive XRP higher next year. Skeptics counter that competition and broader market cycles may limit gains. Much will depend on adoption momentum and overall crypto sentiment.

Vanguard total market ETF posts steady daily snapshot
The broad-market ETF reflected modest movement as investors weighed mixed economic signals. Analysts view the fund as a barometer of long-term confidence rather than short-term trading. Diversification remains its core appeal amid ongoing volatility.

This is not about loopholes.
This is not about “write-offs.”
This is not about tax evasion.

This is about how money moves during the year, not how it’s reported at the end — and how that timing mistake quietly costs people thousands every single year.

Most people assume:

That assumption is the problem.

CPAs report what already happened.
They do not control how you earned, received, or realized income during the year.

And timing is where most tax inefficiency lives.

Taxes are not just about how much you make.

They are about:

Two people can earn the same income and pay wildly different taxes based purely on timing.

Many people sell investments when:

What they don’t consider:

Selling in December instead of January can change your tax bill dramatically.

Yet most people never ask:

They just sell.

High earners often have flexibility but don’t use it.

Examples:

That small shift can:

Your CPA can’t fix this after the fact.

Many business owners think:

Not always. Timing matters.

Some expenses:

Buying equipment on Dec 31 vs Jan 1 is not the same decision.

Neither is prepaying expenses blindly “for tax reasons.”

People often stack income unintentionally:

This creates a tax spike year.

Sometimes the smartest move isn’t to avoid gains — it’s to spread them.

But spreading requires planning before transactions happen.

Most CPAs:

They assume:

Tax efficiency requires pre-transaction thinking, not post-mortem reporting.

This is not complicated.

Before any of the following, pause:

Ask ONE question:

Then ask:

That question alone saves real money.