October 10, 2025

Happy Friday, everyone! 🎉

Good morning! We made it to the end of the week — and hopefully with our sanity (and caffeine levels) intact. Fridays always bring a mix of reflection and anticipation — looking back at what we’ve accomplished and looking forward to what’s next.

Here’s a little thought to kick things off: how do you make big financial decisions when you don’t have all the information? Because let’s be honest — none of us ever really do. Whether it’s investing, starting a business, or even deciding to take a leap in your career, there’s always that fog of uncertainty.

Today’s post dives into exactly that — how to make better financial decisions with limited information. You’ll learn how to think clearly, weigh risks intelligently, and move forward with confidence instead of paralysis. 💡

So as you sip your coffee this morning, remember: wealth isn’t built by knowing everything — it’s built by learning to make smart moves even when you don’t. 🚀

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

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— Howard Schultz(Former CEO of Starbucks) ☕

Market Update: The Nasdaq dipped -0.08% to $23,024.63, with the S&P 500 slipping -0.28%, and the Dow Jones trailing close behind, down -0.52% at $46,358.42. Wall Street’s big three couldn’t quite shake off the selling pressure, leaving investors cautiously scanning for direction.

Crypto didn’t escape the pullback either — Bitcoin fell -1.57% to $121,424.20, cooling off after a strong recent run. Precious metals joined the slump, with Gold losing -1.95% and Silver tumbling -2.73%, signaling a pause in the safe-haven rally.

But not everyone had a rough day — Amazon popped +1.12% to $227.74, showing some retail resilience, while Costco surged +3.07% to $942.89, easily earning the day’s market MVP title after strong consumer sentiment lifted the retail giant. Citi, however, lagged with a -0.83% slide, rounding out a mixed picture for financials.

📊 The takeaway: The market’s feeling a little sluggish, weighed down by commodities and crypto, but consumer favorites like Costco and Amazon are proving there’s still strength in spending. The week may have started soft, but the bulls aren’t out of gas just yet.

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Delta expects premium seat sales to overtake economy by 2026
The Wall Street Journal reports Delta Airlines projects premium-class ticket sales will surpass standard economy within two years. Growing demand for comfort, perks, and loyalty rewards drives the shift. Executives see it as part of a post-pandemic strategy to boost revenue per passenger.

Tesla faces federal probe after self-driving crashes resurface
AP News says the U.S. government is reopening an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system following multiple crashes. Regulators are examining whether the company overstated the technology’s safety. The probe could lead to recalls or software restrictions.

U.S. Justice Department investigates First Brands over product claims
Financial Times reports that federal investigators are scrutinizing the auto-parts maker for potential fraud linked to labeling and pricing practices. The company’s leadership says it’s cooperating fully. The inquiry underscores growing regulatory pressure on consumer goods manufacturers.

Bats observed catching and eating birds midair, study shows
The New York Times details new research showing bats preying on migratory birds mid-flight — a rare and dramatic hunting behavior. Using radar and tracking tags, scientists captured the phenomenon in action. The discovery sheds light on predator-prey interactions high above ground.

Naked mole rats may hold genetic keys to longevity
BBC scientists identified genes in naked mole rats linked to exceptional lifespan and cancer resistance. The findings could guide human aging and disease research. The species’ resilience continues to fascinate biologists seeking natural models for extended health spans.

Dust devils on Mars reveal powerful surface wind dynamics
CNN’s latest Mars analysis shows whirlwinds scouring the planet’s terrain, helping explain atmospheric dust cycles. NASA researchers say studying these “devils” improves understanding of Martian weather patterns. Future rover missions may use the data to plan safer traverses.

IRS unveils 2026 tax changes under new budget law
Fox Business reports the IRS will implement wide-ranging tax adjustments tied to what officials call a “big, beautiful bill.” Updates include bracket shifts, credit expansions, and simplified filing provisions. Analysts say middle-income households will see the biggest impact.

Gold surpasses $4,000 as analysts urge cautious investing
CNBC notes that gold prices briefly crossed $4,000 per ounce amid market volatility. Experts warn investors against overexposure as profit-taking risks rise. Some see the rally as a hedge against political instability and currency weakness.

Obamacare premiums could more than double next year
CNN reports that healthcare premiums under the Affordable Care Act may rise dramatically. Economists blame funding shortfalls worsened by the shutdown. The spike could heighten partisan fights over healthcare costs ahead of the election season.

Democrat touts leverage as Trump allies lose messaging battle
Democratic lawmaker is claiming the upper hand in shutdown negotiations. The Trump White House has reportedly struggled to maintain a unified response. Analysts say the rhetoric signals growing confidence among Democrats to hold firm on spending demands.

Shutdown survival guide: managing bills while paychecks are paused
AOL outlines strategies for federal employees struggling through the ongoing shutdown. Advice includes negotiating bill extensions, seeking emergency relief, and prioritizing essential expenses. Financial counselors warn workers to brace for prolonged uncertainty.

Pakistan’s Aleema-Bushra alliance reportedly behind Gandapur’s departure
According to Dawn, rare cooperation between political figures Aleema Khan and Bushra Bibi led to the resignation of provincial chief minister Gandapur. The move is viewed as a consolidation of influence within the ruling party. Insiders say more leadership shifts could follow.

Colombian president says U.S. boat attack killed nationals aboard
BBC reports that Colombia’s president condemned a U.S. military action after a boat carrying Colombian nationals was struck. The U.S. claims the vessel was part of an anti-smuggling operation. Diplomatic tensions are rising as both sides call for investigations into the incident.

Nearly half of U.S. states now in recession-like conditions
Fortune highlights that about half of U.S. states show economic contraction signs, with declining tax revenues and job growth. Economists warn that regional slowdowns could ripple nationally. Policymakers face tough tradeoffs between containing inflation and avoiding deeper local recessions.

Democrats warn troop paycheck delays won’t end shutdown standoff
CNN reports Democratic lawmakers say missed paychecks for service members alone won’t break the political deadlock over the shutdown. They argue only bipartisan budget talks can resolve it. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on congressional leaders as public frustration grows.

In business, investing, and life in general, we’re constantly making decisions without perfect information.
You never have all the numbers, the timing is never ideal, and there’s always a bit of uncertainty in the mix.

But here’s the truth:
The people who win financially aren’t the ones who have the most information — they’re the ones who make the best decisions with what they have.

Let’s talk about how to do that.

Most people make decisions backward. They start with the option (“Should I invest in this?” “Should I hire this person?”) instead of clarifying the problem.

Before any financial move, ask:

“What problem am I trying to solve — and is this the best way to solve it?”

For example:

When you define the real problem, the best choice usually becomes obvious.

This is one of the most underrated financial frameworks out there — and it’s surprisingly simple.

Every decision has two parts:

So instead of asking, “Will this work?” ask:

“What’s the expected value of this decision?”

For example:

You can’t control outcomes — but you can control the math of the game you’re playing.

The worst financial decisions happen when emotions override logic.

Fear, greed, excitement, impatience — they all push us to act fast instead of act smart.

Before you make a decision, pause and ask yourself:

A simple rule that works wonders: Never make a major money move in the same moment you discover the opportunity.

If it’s still a great idea in three days, it’s probably still a great idea.

Jeff Bezos popularized this concept — the two types of decisions:

In finance and business, most people get this backward.
They agonize for weeks over small, reversible moves and rush through the ones that could change everything.

Ask:

“If I’m wrong, can I recover quickly?”

If yes — act fast.
If no — slow down and gather more clarity.

That distinction alone can save you years of frustration and thousands of dollars.

Complexity feels intelligent. Simplicity is effective.

In business, the most profitable systems are often the simplest.
In investing, the most consistent portfolios are usually boring.

If you can’t explain your financial decision in one or two sentences, you don’t understand it well enough.

Examples:

If it takes a paragraph to justify, it’s not clarity — it’s confusion disguised as sophistication.

Optionality means maintaining flexibility — the ability to change course when the facts change.

Most financial mistakes come from locking in too early — tying up cash, time, or energy in something that removes flexibility.

Keep a portion of your money and mental bandwidth available for new opportunities.

You don’t want to be the person who can’t take advantage of something great because you’re trapped in something “good enough.”

Here’s a weird truth:
The best decision-makers don’t make more decisions — they make fewer of them, but better ones.

They structure their life and business so that small, low-value choices are automated, delegated, or irrelevant.

That leaves their mental energy free for high-value choices — capital allocation, partnerships, strategy, and timing.

If you make 10 high-quality financial decisions a year and execute on 8 of them well, you’ll outperform most people making 100 rushed ones.

The real skill in wealth building isn’t predicting the future — it’s managing uncertainty.

You’ll never have perfect information. You’ll never know the full picture.
But if you can stay calm, think probabilistically, protect your downside, and keep your options open…

You’ll consistently make better decisions — and over time, that’s what compounds.

Because in the long run, wealth doesn’t just come from what you know.
It comes from how you think.

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?

This company started out as a small online bookstore in a garage… and now dominates everything from streaming to cloud computing.

Would you rather…
💼 Work one hour a day for life but never take vacations,
or
🌴 Work three months straight and take the rest of the year off?

A man looks at a painting in a museum and says, “Brothers and sisters, I have none, but that man’s father is my father’s son.”
Who is the person in the painting?

*Answers at the bottom

Riddle - Answer: An Echo 🗣️

Guess the Company - Answer: Amazon 📦

Brain Teaser - Answer: It’s his son! 👨‍👦