In partnership with

November 19, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Wednesday, everyone! ☀️💬

Good morning! I hope you’re feeling grounded, clear, and maybe even a little optimistic today — and if you’re not, no worries… you’ll probably feel that way after this message.

Let me ask you something simple but surprisingly powerful:
How many of your money decisions are based on… vibes?
Be honest.

Most people don’t have a money problem — they have a decision-making problem. One day they feel motivated, the next day they feel overwhelmed, and their bank account ends up reflecting whichever emotion was in charge that week.

But imagine this instead:
A world where your financial choices follow a system, not a mood.
A world where you know exactly how you decide — not guess, not hope, not flip a mental coin.

That’s what today’s post is all about: building your own Decision-Making System for Money — something reliable, repeatable, and stress-reducing.

Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Quote of The Day

“Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

Helen Keller

Market Update

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

Market Update: Today’s markets leaned heavily into the red as major indices pulled back across the board. The Nasdaq slid -1.21% to $22,432.85, with growth stocks taking the brunt of the selling pressure, while the S&P 500 dipped -0.83% and the Dow Jones fell -1.07%, reflecting a broader risk-off mood among investors.

In the crypto corner, Bitcoin managed to break the trend, inching up +0.44% to $92,508.96, offering a small spark of green in an otherwise gloomy session. Meanwhile, the metals market stayed muted—Gold slipped -0.16% and Silver declined -0.31%, signaling limited safe-haven demand despite equity weakness.

Among individual stocks, Oracle posted a mild gain of +0.27%, continuing to benefit from steady enterprise demand and cloud momentum. On the downside, Palantir dropped -2.29%, giving back recent strength as volatility hit high-growth names. Tesla also fell sharply, down -1.88%, as traders reacted to ongoing concerns around margins and production metrics.

Overall, it was a risk-off day with both tech and cyclicals under pressure, while Bitcoin and Oracle stood out as rare bright spots amid the volatility.

PRESENTED BY EVERQUOTE

Own a Home? Unlock Lower Auto Insurance Rates

Owning a home gets you equity, a place that’s all yours, and now, better auto insurance rates. Drivers who own their home, own multiple cars, and have a clean driving record can save big by comparing insurance rates. And now, with EverQuote, that process is easier than ever.

EverQuote is a smart insurance marketplace built for people like you. We simplify the entire process:

  • Quick & Easy: Stop filling out the same forms repeatedly.

  • Maximum Savings: We connect you with trusted national and local carriers.

  • Confidence in Coverage: Our platform helps you compare and confidently select the perfect policy.

You deserve great coverage without the headache.

U.S.

The White House is sending mixed signals about potential U.S. military action against Venezuela, leaving lawmakers and foreign-policy analysts uncertain about the administration’s intentions. Officials have made both aggressive and cautionary statements, fueling speculation about internal disagreements. The ambiguity comes as regional tensions rise and U.S. allies press for clarity.

A federal court has blocked Texas from using its newly redrawn voting maps, ruling that they violate key constitutional protections. The decision halts implementation ahead of critical upcoming elections and reignites debate over voting rights across the state. Advocates say the ruling is a major victory, while state leaders vow to appeal.

A new national poll shows that many immigrants feel more fearful under the current administration but remain determined to stay in the United States. Respondents cited economic opportunity, family ties, and community support as primary reasons for staying despite rising concerns. Researchers say the findings highlight the complex balance between anxiety and resilience in immigrant communities.

Finance

Bitcoin is dramatically underperforming traditional assets in what analysts are calling the “Great Bitcoin Crash of 2025.” Its steep decline has pushed many investors toward safer holdings like bonds, gold, and cash. Market strategists warn that sentiment remains fragile, and recovery may take longer than previous downturns.

Health-care experts say the ACA “subsidy cliff” acts as a hidden or “phantom” tax for middle-income families who earn just above eligibility thresholds. Losing subsidies can cause premiums to spike thousands of dollars per year, creating a sudden, unexpected financial burden. Advisors recommend careful income planning to avoid crossing key cutoffs.

Amid the retirement of the penny, commentators are reflecting on the coin’s long and complicated history in American life. While its elimination is expected to remove inefficiencies from commerce, many still view it with nostalgic affection. Economists say the move was inevitable as production costs far exceeded the penny’s actual value.

Science

Recent science discoveries include the detection of a radio signal from Comet 3I/ATLAS and the unearthing of a remarkably preserved Neanderthal skull. Researchers say these findings offer new insights into the early solar system and human evolution. The updates arrive alongside new astronaut mission data that further expands our understanding of long-distance space travel.

NASA and its European partners have launched a new satellite designed to monitor Earth’s oceans with unprecedented precision. The mission aims to track sea-level rise, temperature changes, and global climate patterns over the coming decade. Scientists say the data will be vital for forecasting environmental risks and shaping global climate policy.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has completed its first full mission, marking a major breakthrough for the company and intensifying competition with SpaceX. The booster demonstrated successful stage performance and payload delivery, boosting confidence in Blue Origin’s long-term capabilities. Industry analysts say this milestone could reshape the commercial launch market.

Today’s Snapshot

How to Build a Decision-Making System for Money (So You Stop Guessing and Start Growing)

One of the biggest “silent killers” of financial progress isn’t bad investments, bad budgeting, or even bad luck.

It’s bad decisions.

Not because people are dumb — but because they don’t have a system to make financial decisions.
So every choice becomes emotional, rushed, or based on someone else’s opinion.

Should I buy this?
Should I invest in that?
Should I start a business now or wait?
Should I take this job or stay?
Should I reinvest or save?

Most people guess.
High performers don’t.

They follow a decision-making framework, which creates clarity, confidence, and consistency — no matter where they are in their financial journey.

Here’s how to build one for yourself.

1. Start With Your “North Star Numbers”

Forget goals like “get rich” or “earn more.”

You need specific targets:

  • Your Monthly Freedom Number
    (what you need for bills + lifestyle if you didn’t work)

  • Your Investment Target
    (amount invested per year to reach your freedom number)

  • Your Income Goal
    (salary, business income, or side income needed)

Once you know these, every decision becomes easier:

Does this help me get closer… or not?

If it doesn’t, it’s a no.
If it does, it’s a maybe.
If it does and the return is clear, it’s a yes.

You’ll be shocked how much noise this eliminates.

2. Use the 10-10-10 Framework Before Making Any Money Decision

Before buying, investing, or committing, ask:

  • How will I feel about this in 10 days?

  • How will I feel about this in 10 months?

  • How will I feel about this in 10 years?

This instantly exposes:

  • Impulse purchases

  • Emotional investing

  • Overreactions

  • FOMO

  • Ego-based decisions

In investing and business, the 10-year question is the most powerful:

Does this decision matter 10 years from now?
Or is it just noise?

This alone can save someone thousands.

3. Apply the “3 Return Test” to Every Opportunity

For any investment, course, asset, or upgrade, evaluate:

1. Financial return (money back)

Does it generate cash, increase earnings, or appreciate?

2. Time return (efficiency gained)

Does it save hours, reduce stress, or simplify life?

3. Skill return (you get better)

Does it increase your earning potential long-term?

An opportunity that hits 2 of the 3 is usually worth it.
One that hits all 3 is a no-brainer.

This test keeps you investing in things that actually move you forward — not random hype.

4. Build Your Personal “Opportunity Filter”

We all get flooded with opportunities:

  • promotions

  • side hustles

  • real estate deals

  • courses

  • partnerships

  • investments

  • new tools

  • shiny objects

Your filter protects your time and wallet.

Define rules like:

  • It must be simple to understand

  • It must align with long-term goals

  • It must not depend on constant motivation

  • It must have asymmetrical upside

  • It must not require skills you don’t have yet

  • It must fit your current life bandwidth

When an opportunity doesn’t pass the filter, you pass on it.
Zero guilt.

This keeps you focused — the greatest wealth builder of all.

5. Use the “2-Path Comparison” Before Any Major Move

Whenever you’re stuck between two choices, ask:

“If both options worked out perfectly, which one

puts me in a better position long-term?”

Don’t choose based on fear.
Don’t choose based on convenience.
Choose based on potential trajectory.

This is how people make 10x decisions instead of 1.5x decisions.

6. Know the Difference Between Reversible vs. Irreversible Decisions

Borrow this from Jeff Bezos:

Type 1: Irreversible Decisions

High impact, hard to undo
→ move slowly, gather data, get advice
Examples:

  • buying a business

  • taking on debt

  • big real estate deals

  • quitting your job

  • selling long-term assets

Type 2: Reversible Decisions

Low risk, easy to reverse
→ move fast
Examples:

  • trying a new tool

  • testing a new side income idea

  • small investments

  • new routines

  • new savings automation

Most people treat reversible decisions like irreversible ones — and never move.
This framework removes the fear.

Final Thought

People obsess over the right investment, the right business idea, the right strategy…

But the truth is simple:

Your decision-making system matters more than any single decision.

Because a good system:

  • eliminates mistakes

  • removes stress

  • accelerates progress

  • increases confidence

  • multiplies wealth

  • and saves years of trial and error

You don’t need perfect decisions —
you just need a repeatable process that makes you better every month.

Thought Of The Day

Your future becomes more powerful the moment you choose direction over perfection. Every small intentional action builds a foundation for bigger, freer, and smarter opportunities.

The Wealth Wagon’s Other Newsletters:

The Wealth Wagon – Where it all began, from building wealth to making money – Subscribe

The AI Wagon – AI trends, tools, and insights – Subscribe

The Economic Wagon – Global markets and policy shifts – Subscribe

The Financial Wagon – Personal finance made simple – Subscribe

The Investment Wagon – Smart investing strategies – Subscribe

The Marketing Wagon – Growth and brand tactics – Subscribe

The Sales Wagon – Selling made strategic – Subscribe

The Startup Wagon – Build, scale, and grow – Subscribe

The Tech Wagon – Latest in tech and innovation – Subscribe

Side Hustle Weekly - Actionable side-hustle ideas and income tips - Subscribe

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.

Reply

or to participate

Keep Reading

No posts found