September 10, 2025

Happy Wednesday!
Good morning 🌞—halfway through the week! Hopefully you’ve had more wins than headaches so far, but either way, you’re still moving forward.

Here’s something to think about: it’s not always the big expenses that hold us back financially—it’s the sneaky little money leaks. The forgotten subscription, the random fees, the “I’ll just grab takeout” habit that adds up faster than we realize.

Today’s post digs into exactly that: The Biggest Money Leaks (and How to Plug Them Fast). Because sometimes building wealth isn’t about making more—it’s about keeping what you already have from silently slipping away.

So, let’s talk about how to find the drips in your financial bucket—and patch them up before they drain your future wealth. 🚀

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

– Pablo Picasso

Market Update: Markets woke up this morning with a bit of mixed energy. 📊

The Nasdaq added a steady +0.37%, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones followed along with slimmer gains of +0.27% and +0.43% — nothing explosive, but enough to keep the bulls smiling.

Bitcoin, though, slipped -0.50%, taking a breather after its recent rallies. Precious metals didn’t shine today either — Gold lost -0.27% and Silver dropped -1.29%, showing investors may be leaning more toward risk assets than safety plays.

On the stock front, Baidu cooled slightly at -0.17%, while General Mills served up a modest +0.48%. But the biggest spotlight goes to Citius, soaring +3.26% and stealing the show with the day’s boldest move. 🚀

In short: Tech led with quiet confidence, Bitcoin and metals stumbled, but a few individual names like Citius reminded us markets are never short on surprises.

The Tube strike in London has pushed commuters to get creative, with e-bikes, ferries, and even boats becoming the new rush-hour heroes. Streets are buzzing with cyclists as people dodge gridlock and packed buses. The chaos may be stressful, but it’s also giving the city a chance to test alternative transit — and some Londoners aren’t hating it.

Brazen thieves in the U.S. are literally walking into hotels and helping themselves to complimentary breakfasts meant for guests. From pancakes to pastries, they’re filling their plates (and sometimes bags) before slipping out. Hotels are scrambling to beef up security, but for now, the “breakfast buffet bandits” are getting away with the most important meal of the day.

Philly’s mass transit agency just secured approval to use federal funds for much-needed upgrades — avoiding service cuts that would’ve hit trolleys, buses, and rail. The decision means smoother commutes and fewer disruptions for thousands of daily riders. After months of uncertainty, it’s a rare piece of good news for public transportation in the city.

Brian Niccol’s first year at the helm of Starbucks has been closely scrutinized, and now the verdict is in. Analysts say he’s delivered some wins but also faced real challenges. From pricing moves to employee relations, his leadership is being tested in a very public way.

New data shows that U.S. employment growth through March was far weaker than initially reported. It’s a sobering reality check for the labor market. Economists warn this could alter expectations for rate cuts and reshape the economic outlook heading into fall.

The Murdoch family has struck a deal over who will control the vast media empire. After months of speculation, the arrangement finally brings clarity—though not without drama. Media watchers are already speculating about how the new power balance will shape the company’s future.

Goldman Sachs has scored a massive $40 billion mandate from Shell’s pension funds. The deal cements Goldman’s reputation as a powerhouse in the money management world. For employees counting on those pensions, it’s a big bet that Goldman can deliver.

A reader writes in heartbroken over her son’s bold—and hurtful—demand regarding family inheritance. Abby’s column dives into the raw emotions behind money, family ties, and boundaries. It’s a reminder that sometimes the hardest fights aren’t in courtrooms but around the dinner table.

A new trend in personal finance says small, consistent steps—like “microdosing” your money habits—can lead to major gains. Instead of overhauling your life, think tiny adjustments: budgeting tweaks, small investments, mindful spending. Experts argue this makes sticking to goals easier and way less stressful.

The sudden resignation of Japan’s prime minister has unleashed a wave of political maneuvering. Lawmakers are scrambling to launch leadership bids, while the yen takes a hit amid the uncertainty. Japan’s political future is suddenly in flux, with big implications for its economy.

Reuters sums up the chaos: politics are moving faster than anyone can track, from leadership shakeups to global trade disputes. Investors are left trying to make sense of it all. The message is clear—markets are on edge, and politics may keep them there.

In a surprising admission, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he sees no successes in the agency he leads. The comment is fueling criticism of his leadership and effectiveness. Detractors say it proves what they’ve argued all along—that he’s out of his depth.

In a horrifying escalation, protesters set fire to the home of a former prime minister in Nepal, killing his wife. The violent act underscores rising anger and instability in the region. Authorities are scrambling to restore order as outrage spreads both locally and internationally.

The Israeli military is pressing forward with a larger operation and has now demanded the complete evacuation of Gaza City. This move signals an intensification of fighting that could displace even more civilians. The world watches closely as humanitarian concerns grow.

A year’s worth of Russian strikes on Ukraine paints a grim picture of destruction and endurance. Al Jazeera breaks down the patterns of drone and missile attacks, showing how Ukraine has weathered relentless bombardment. The analysis highlights both resilience and exhaustion in a war that shows no sign of slowing.

We all love talking about making more money — the new investment, the side hustle, the business idea. But here’s the thing: a lot of people are bleeding cash from small leaks they don’t even notice. And those leaks? Over years, they cost you way more than you think.

Plugging those leaks is often the fastest way to “make” money — because you keep more of what you already earn.

Let’s break down the big ones.

You know what I’m talking about. Netflix. Spotify. Hulu. That random $7.99/month app you swore you’d cancel.

One by one, they don’t look like much. But here’s the math:

That’s not just money lost. That’s money that could’ve been invested.

Fix: Do a “subscription audit.” Print out your card statement, highlight every recurring charge, and cancel anything you don’t actually use. (Pro tip: apps like Truebill or Rocket Money will even do this for you.)

This one’s sneaky.

You get a raise, and suddenly:

The problem? If your spending rises just as fast as your income, you’re stuck on the same treadmill — only now with nicer sneakers.

Fix: Every time your income goes up, “tax yourself” by automatically funneling a chunk of it into investments before you ever see it. (Example: a $10k raise → $7k lifestyle, $3k investments.) Future-you will love you for it.

Credit cards are not “just debt.” They’re wealth killers.

At 20%+ interest, your money isn’t just leaking — it’s being set on fire. Even if you’re investing, it’s tough to outrun those interest rates.

Fix:

A lot of people don’t realize how much they’re paying in hidden fees — on investments, on bank accounts, even on payment platforms.

Examples:

Fix:

Small percentages add up to tens of thousands over your lifetime.

Uber Eats. DoorDash. Amazon “Buy Now.” That $8 latte every day because “time is money.”

Yes, convenience is valuable. But most of the time, you’re trading hundreds of future dollars for a few minutes of today’s comfort.

Fix:

Let’s run a quick scenario.

Imagine you’re “only” wasting $500/month on leaks. Over 10 years, if you just invested that instead:

That’s not just plugging leaks. That’s building freedom.

Here’s a 3-step system you can do this week:

Getting rich isn’t just about making more. It’s about keeping more, investing it smartly, and letting time do its magic.

The truth? Wealth often comes down to discipline in the “boring stuff.” And plugging money leaks might just be the easiest wealth move you can make today.

Why did the credit analyst bring a ladder to work?
Because he heard the company’s ratings were going down! 📉😂

The more you use me, the sharper I become. But if you neglect me, I grow dull. What am I?

Would you rather:

You have two candles, each of which burns for exactly one hour. They don’t burn at a constant rate. Using them, how can you measure exactly 45 minutes?

*Answers at the bottom

Riddle - Answer: Your mind 🧠

Brain Teaser - Answer: