September 13, 2025

Happy Saturday!
Good morning 🌞—I hope your weekend is already off to a good start (and maybe includes sleeping in just a little).

Here’s something worth thinking about: true wealth isn’t just about growing your money—it’s about protecting it. That’s where a financial safety net comes in. It’s the thing that keeps a surprise expense from becoming a full-blown crisis and gives you the confidence to take bigger, better swings with your future.

That’s exactly what today’s post is about: How to Build a Financial Safety Net That Actually Works. Because the goal isn’t just to make money—it’s to make sure you can keep moving forward no matter what life throws your way.

So today, let’s talk about building that net—not the flimsy kind, but the sturdy, reliable kind that lets you walk the wealth-building tightrope with way more confidence. 🚀

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

– Richard Branson

Market Update: Markets were a bit of a mixed bag today, with some strong performers shining while others slipped into the red.

The Nasdaq climbed +0.44%, riding tech optimism, while the S&P 500 lost a sliver at -0.05% and the Dow Jones stumbled harder, down -0.59%. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continued its steady grind higher at +0.43%, joined by the classic safe-havens: Gold (+0.19%) and Silver (+1.22%) both glittered in green.

In the stock spotlight, Intel took a bruising with a -2.15% drop, and Kraft slid -1.47%, maybe signaling that mac & cheese isn’t recession-proof after all. On the upside, JP Morgan added +0.47%, keeping the banks sturdy.

Overall, it’s a tug-of-war kind of day: big tech and staples showed some weakness, but precious metals and crypto quietly flexed. The market’s basically saying, “I’m not sure where to go yet, but I’ll take a little shine where I can get it.”

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Microsoft dodges EU fine after Teams bundling complaint
Microsoft just narrowly avoided a massive fine after the EU investigated complaints about bundling Teams with Office. Slack had argued the practice was anti-competitive, but regulators stopped short of issuing penalties. Still, the scrutiny isn’t over for the tech giant.

Health care costs soar as insurers and drugmakers face blame
Americans are feeling the squeeze as health care costs skyrocket again, fueled by insurance hikes and drug prices. Experts warn affordability is becoming a crisis for families. Lawmakers are under pressure to act, but solutions remain elusive.

Paramount Skydance prepares Warner Bros Discovery takeover bid
Hollywood may be headed for another media shakeup—Paramount and Skydance are preparing a bid for Warner Bros Discovery. The move could reshape the entire entertainment landscape if successful. Insiders say negotiations are heating up behind the scenes.

Six Flags hints at Peanuts’ future at Kings Island
Six Flags has fans buzzing after announcing updates on the future of Peanuts characters at Kings Island. While Snoopy and friends aren’t going anywhere just yet, the company teased “new experiences” coming soon. Parkgoers are left guessing what’s next for the iconic cartoon crew.

Cruise passenger jumps ship to avoid currency reporting
In a bizarre twist, a cruise passenger reportedly jumped off a ship to dodge reporting foreign currency holdings. The stunt created panic among fellow travelers before authorities intervened. It’s now raising questions about oversight in luxury cruise tourism.

Disney Cruise Line delays debut of “Disney Adventure” ship
Disney fans will have to wait a little longer to board the much-hyped Disney Adventure. The cruise line announced the ship’s debut will be delayed by three months. Officials cite construction setbacks, but promise the wait will be worth it.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs rake in $553 million in daily inflows
Bitcoin ETFs logged an eye-popping $553 million in inflows in a single day. Analysts say it reflects institutional investors rotating money back into crypto after months of caution. The surge has fueled optimism that Bitcoin’s next rally may already be brewing.

Gemini’s IPO set above range, aiming to raise $425 million
Crypto exchange Gemini is making waves with its upcoming IPO, pricing shares above the initial range. Sources say the company could raise $425 million, signaling confidence despite market volatility. Investors are watching closely as this could set the tone for future crypto listings.

Fashion meets crypto: Mogu shares soar on Bitcoin buying plan
In an unlikely crossover, fashion company Mogu’s stock skyrocketed after announcing a plan to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Investors piled in, treating the move as a bold diversification play. It’s yet another sign that crypto is seeping into unexpected industries.

Optimism over rate cuts helps investors look past inflation worries
Markets are shrugging off hot inflation data, with optimism about future rate cuts taking the spotlight. Analysts say investors are clinging to hope that relief is coming soon. For now, stocks are steady, but all eyes remain on central bank signals.

UK economy stalls in July, pound dips as growth flatlines
The UK’s economy ground to a halt in July, posting zero growth for the month. The stagnation sent the pound dipping as concerns about long-term recovery mounted. Businesses and investors are bracing for more turbulence ahead.

Lutnick shifts goalposts after rough Trump economy headlines
Billionaire Howard Lutnick has been moving the “goalposts” in response to negative coverage of Trump’s economy. Critics argue his shifting narrative is an attempt to protect markets from panic. But the tactic may not convince skeptical investors.

Poland pushes back, rejects Trump’s drone raid “mistake” claim
Poland has firmly dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Russia’s drone strike “could have been a mistake,” saying the idea doesn’t hold water. Leaders argue the attack was deliberate and part of rising tensions. The rejection adds another layer to already strained regional relations.

Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine in support of veterans
In an unexpected move, Prince Harry arrived in Ukraine to meet with wounded service members. His visit is being praised as a morale booster for troops and their families. It highlights his continued dedication to veterans’ causes far beyond the UK.

Denmark buys $9 billion in air defense amid Russia concerns
With Russian tensions escalating, Denmark is making one of its largest military purchases ever—$9 billion worth of air defense systems. Officials say it’s a proactive step to protect their airspace. The move signals how seriously Europe is preparing for potential threats.

Most people talk about making money. Fewer people talk about keeping it.

And even fewer talk about protecting it.

But here’s the reality: no matter how much you earn, invest, or build, if you don’t have a strong financial safety net, you’re one bad break away from starting over. And that’s the opposite of freedom.

So let’s walk through the practical steps of building a financial safety net that actually works — one you can rely on whether you’re an employee, business owner, or investor.

A financial safety net isn’t about becoming rich overnight. It’s about knowing you can weather life’s storms without panic.

The first step is figuring out your bare-minimum monthly number — the amount you need to cover:

This isn’t your lifestyle budget; this is your survival budget.

👉 Example: If your monthly survival budget is $3,000, your safety net should be at least 3–6 months of that ($9,000–$18,000).

Here’s where a lot of people slip: they keep their emergency money in the same checking account as their daily expenses.

Don’t.

Instead:

Pro tip: automate small transfers into this account each payday. You won’t miss $100 or $250 here and there, but over time it builds a fortress.

Insurance isn’t fun to think about, but it’s a core part of your financial net.

Here are the big ones to consider:

This isn’t about fear — it’s about making sure one unexpected event doesn’t unravel everything you’ve built.

Here’s the difference between being financially comfortable and being financially resilient:
Resilient people don’t rely on a single paycheck.

Some backup income ideas that work for both professionals and business owners:

Even an extra $500–$1,000/month from a side source can be the difference between dipping into your savings or not.

Here’s the hard truth: your safety net doesn’t work if high-interest debt is chewing through it.

The priority is simple:

Every 6–12 months, ask yourself:

If the answer is “no” to any of these, that’s your next step.

Whether you’re a:

…building a safety net is the foundation.

Because wealth without protection is fragile. And fragile wealth is stressful wealth.

If you’ve been putting this off, here’s how to kickstart it in the next 24 hours:

The goal isn’t to live in fear of emergencies. The goal is freedom — knowing that if life throws a punch, you won’t be knocked out.

Your financial safety net isn’t just money in the bank. It’s peace of mind. It’s flexibility. It’s confidence to take bigger swings in your career, business, and investments — because you know you’re covered if things don’t go as planned.

And that’s priceless.

The more you take from me, the bigger I get. What am I?

This company began in Seattle in 1971 selling only coffee beans and equipment, before becoming a global café empire.

Would you rather own 1% of Apple today, or own 100% of a promising startup with a 50/50 chance of failure or becoming the next unicorn?

You’re outside a room with 3 switches. Inside the room are 3 light bulbs, each connected to one switch. You can only enter once. How do you figure out which switch controls which bulb?

*Answers at the bottom

Riddle - Answer: A hole 🕳️

Guess the Company - Answer: Starbucks ☕

Brain Teaser - Answer: