October 1, 2025

Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Good morning 🍂—and welcome to October! There’s something about flipping the calendar to a fresh month that feels like pressing a reset button. New goals, new energy… and maybe new excuses to stock up on Halloween candy “for the kids” (we all know where it’s really going 👀🍫).

Here’s a question to kick things off: if the economy hit a bump tomorrow, how confident would you feel about your finances? No judgment—just something worth thinking about.

That’s why today’s post is all about stress testing your finances before a downturn. It’s like a fire drill for your money: not the most exciting thing, but the kind of prep that keeps you calm when everyone else is panicking.

Because here’s the truth—wealth isn’t just about how much you have when times are good. It’s about how steady you stay when things get wobbly. And the people who build resilience into their money today are the ones who’ll sleep best tomorrow.

So let’s give your finances a quick stress test and make sure you’re set to handle whatever curveballs life throws your way.

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Confucius

Market Update: Wall Street kept its cool today with the Nasdaq up 0.30%, the S&P 500 rising 0.41%, and the Dow Jones nudging higher by 0.18%. Over in crypto land, Bitcoin matched Nasdaq’s mood with a 0.30% climb, while Gold added a steady 0.54% and Silver shined brighter with a 1.23% jump.

On the corporate side, AT&T dialed in a 0.61% gain, and Tesla kept the charge alive, cruising up 0.34%. The only one hitting a red light? Roblox, which slid 2.15%, leaving gamers and investors a bit less excited.

👉 A balanced mix of steady gains and one sharp dip — markets are moving, but not losing their cool.

Robo-advisors vs. human advisors: when to choose each option
Financial experts are weighing the pros and cons of robo-advisors versus traditional financial planners. Robo-advisors offer low fees and automated portfolio management, while humans provide nuanced advice for complex situations. Knowing when to use each can help investors maximize their financial outcomes.

OPM braces for retirement claim surge as ‘Fork in Road’ ends
The Office of Personnel Management is preparing for a spike in retirement claims as a special program winds down. Officials say they’re adding staff and resources to avoid delays. Retirees worry that processing bottlenecks could leave them waiting months for benefits.

Senate Democrats slam Social Security chief over retirement age confusion
Lawmakers criticized the Social Security Administration after reports of misleading guidance on retirement age. Senate Democrats pressed the agency’s chief for clearer communication to prevent misinformation. The issue comes amid broader concerns about the program’s long-term stability.

UK woman pleads guilty in $7 billion Bitcoin fraud scheme
A woman in the United Kingdom has admitted guilt in a massive $7 billion Bitcoin fraud case. Prosecutors allege she played a key role in laundering funds from the international scam. Her plea marks one of the largest crypto-related fraud convictions in the UK.

SWIFT teams with Consensys to develop blockchain settlement prototype
The financial messaging giant SWIFT has partnered with Ethereum software firm Consensys to test blockchain-based settlement systems. The prototype aims to streamline cross-border payments using tokenized assets. Experts say this could accelerate adoption of blockchain in traditional banking infrastructure.

Ethereum miner Bit Digital plans $100 million fundraising with notes
Bit Digital, an Ethereum treasury operation, is seeking to raise $100 million via convertible note offerings. The funds would be used to expand mining operations and infrastructure. Investors are watching closely, as it signals continued institutional interest in crypto scaling.

Nubank seeks U.S. bank charter to expand beyond Latin America
Brazilian digital bank Nubank has applied for a U.S. banking charter, marking a major step in its international growth. The company already dominates Latin America’s fintech space and is looking to enter the American market. Analysts say approval could reshape competition among neobanks in the U.S.

End of paper checks for Social Security and tax refunds
Paper checks for Social Security and federal income tax refunds are being phased out. Beginning soon, recipients must switch to direct deposit or prepaid debit cards. Officials say the move will cut costs and reduce fraud risks, though some seniors worry about accessibility.

Northern Light health network cuts ties with Anthem after mediation fails
Northern Light Health announced it will no longer accept Anthem insurance following a failed contract mediation. Patients covered by Anthem could lose in-network access to doctors and hospitals in the system. The decision raises concerns about higher costs and disruptions to care in the region.

Amazon unveils new Echo devices with advanced AI Alexa+
Amazon introduced its latest Echo lineup, powered by Alexa+, an upgraded AI system. The devices promise smarter home automation, more natural conversations, and stronger integration with smart products. Analysts say the move strengthens Amazon’s position against Google and Apple in the AI assistant market.

Microsoft begins rolling out Windows 11 2025 update worldwide
Microsoft has started releasing its 2025 update for Windows 11, though users shouldn’t expect major visual changes. The update focuses on stability, bug fixes, and background improvements. Tech experts suggest it’s a foundational upgrade to prepare the OS for larger future features.

Meta launches new Ray-Ban smart display glasses in select stores
Meta is expanding its wearable technology push with new Ray-Ban display glasses. The product is now available in select U.S. stores, featuring improved AR functions and app integration. Analysts see this as part of Meta’s long-term bet on consumer augmented reality.

MTA fare hikes spark commuter outrage after earlier congestion pricing
New York commuters are frustrated after the MTA announced another round of fare hikes just months after congestion pricing was rolled out. Riders accuse the agency of unfairly burdening them with extra costs. Transit officials defend the move as necessary to cover rising expenses and infrastructure needs.

Over 70 passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise fall ill
A Royal Caribbean cruise turned problematic when more than 70 passengers and crew members contracted norovirus. The outbreak left many with gastrointestinal illness, disrupting the voyage. Health officials and the cruise line are working to contain the spread and assist affected travelers.

Old Ivy Road bridge to remain closed indefinitely in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) confirmed that the Old Ivy Road bridge will remain closed with no reopening timeline set. The closure stems from structural issues identified during inspections. Officials say repairs will be extensive, leaving locals facing longer commutes and detours.

Markets go up, businesses grow, incomes rise. But downturns happen — recessions, layoffs, slower sales cycles, rising rates. The people who survive (and thrive) aren’t the ones who predict them perfectly — they’re the ones who are prepared.

Here’s how to run a quick “stress test” on your finances or business so you’re not blindsided.

👉 If you’re low, start building by redirecting a portion of cash flow into a separate “rainy day” account.

Ask: What happens if my income drops by 20%? Can I still service my debt?

👉 Consider refinancing or paying down high-interest liabilities before you hit turbulence.

One paycheck or one client is risky.

👉 A downturn isn’t the time to build new streams. Do it now while things are stable.

Take your financials (personal or business) and cut income by 30%. Then ask:

This exercise is uncomfortable — but it’s much better than waiting until reality forces it.

Banks love to lend when you don’t need money — and vanish when you do.

A downturn is less about predicting the storm and more about waterproofing your roof. By stress testing your finances now, you turn uncertainty into opportunity — because while others scramble, you’ll be ready to invest, expand, or simply sleep better at night.

Why don’t stock market experts ever read novels?
Because the only numbers in them are page numbers! 📖📉

I’m always moving forward, but never go back. I can make money grow, but I can also make it vanish. What am I?

McDonald’s once tried selling bubblegum-flavored broccoli to make kids eat healthier. Spoiler: kids were confused—and it never made it past testing.

Would you rather:

(Think carefully: longevity vs. investing opportunities!)

*Answers at the bottom

Riddle - Answer: Time.