September 17, 2025

Good morning everyone!🌞

I hope today finds you energized (or at least surviving with caffeine and good vibes).

Be honest: have you ever cracked open a financial statement and felt your eyes glaze over faster than a donut at Krispy Kreme? 📊➡️😴

You’re not alone. Most of us weren’t exactly trained to find joy in balance sheets or cash flow statements. But here’s the secret—once you know how to read them (without needing a dictionary or a nap), they stop being intimidating. Instead, they turn into a kind of treasure map, quietly revealing where the opportunities and risks are hiding.

And that’s what we’re diving into today: how to read financial statements without falling asleep—and maybe even feel a little excited while doing it.

So grab your coffee, maybe a highlighter, and let’s make numbers your friend instead of your enemy. 🚀

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Anthony Volodkin

Market Update: The markets are serving up a mix of red and green today, and it’s got a little bit of everything—like a chaotic buffet where some dishes shine and others flop.

📉 The big indexes are dragging their feet. Nasdaq slipped by -0.07%, the S&P 500 dipped -0.13%, and the Dow Jones followed with a -0.27% drop. Looks like Wall Street’s major players are still fighting gravity.

💰 Bitcoin kept its crown polished, climbing +1.27% to hold strong at $116,875. Gold (+0.21%) and Visa (+0.30%) added some quiet gains, the dependable players in the background.

⚡️ Tesla revved its engines, shooting up +2.77%, proving once again it loves to defy expectations.

🥈 Silver slipped slightly, down -0.25%, and AT&T stumbled harder at -0.98%, as if someone unplugged its connection.

So today’s vibe? The heavyweights couldn’t keep their balance, but Tesla and Bitcoin stole the spotlight, leaving a spark in an otherwise choppy market.

Meta to launch new smart glasses this week with AI features
Meta is set to release its next-generation smart glasses later this week, bringing enhanced AI-powered capabilities and improved camera functions. The glasses are designed to merge daily wear with advanced digital tools, competing directly with rivals like Apple and Google. This launch represents Meta’s broader push into wearable tech and the augmented reality market. Early demand and adoption will determine how disruptive the product becomes.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 highlights satellite communication tools in new release
Apple has introduced the Watch Ultra 3, with a major focus on satellite-enabled communication for emergencies and remote use. The update positions the device as more than just a health and fitness tracker. With rugged design and advanced safety tools, it appeals to athletes, adventurers, and first responders. Apple continues to expand its wearable ecosystem to integrate with broader safety and wellness needs.

Apple rolls out iOS 26 featuring redesigned Liquid Glass interface
Apple has launched iOS 26, featuring its striking new Liquid Glass design for smoother, more dynamic visuals. The update introduces fresh personalization options, improved performance, and enhanced security. Apple says the release is one of its most ambitious updates to date. The rollout will shape how millions of iPhone users experience their devices daily.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas returns after onboard fight incident
The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, returned to PortMiami after a fight left several guests injured. Authorities intervened, but the cruise line has not yet released detailed statements about the altercation. Passengers described chaos as security rushed to contain the situation. The incident raises questions about safety protocols on mega-cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise Line offers lifetime loyalty perks for Diamond members
Carnival announced a new loyalty program giving lifetime status perks to Diamond-level members. The move rewards long-term travelers with benefits like priority boarding, upgraded amenities, and exclusive event access. It comes as competition among cruise lines intensifies in the post-pandemic travel boom. Carnival hopes the program will boost retention and brand loyalty among frequent cruisers.

Thousands attend unveiling of San Diego airport’s new Terminal 1 project
Over 5,000 people gathered for a sneak peek of San Diego International Airport’s massive Terminal 1 renovation. The project promises expanded capacity, modern design, and improved traveler experience. Officials say the upgrade is critical to handling future passenger growth. The unveiling showcased local enthusiasm for one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects.

Talks between Johns Hopkins and UnitedHealthcare break down with no deal
Negotiations between Johns Hopkins Medicine and UnitedHealthcare have collapsed without agreement, leaving patients uncertain about coverage. The dispute centers on reimbursement rates and contract terms. Thousands of patients may now face higher out-of-pocket costs or disruptions in care. Both sides insist they want to return to the table but remain far apart.

Uninsured patients strain Texas health system as crisis deepens
Hospitals along the Texas border are struggling with surging numbers of uninsured patients. Healthcare providers warn the situation is overwhelming facilities and driving up costs. Without expanded federal or state support, the burden is falling heavily on local systems. The crisis reflects broader national concerns about access to affordable care.

Employers brace for another spike in health insurance premiums
Companies and workers are preparing for steep health insurance cost increases in 2025. Analysts point to rising hospital expenses, new drug prices, and inflationary pressures. Employers warn the hikes could force reduced benefits or cost-shifting to workers. The issue is adding urgency to debates over healthcare reform.

Congress faces packed schedule as shutdown threat looms in Washington
U.S. lawmakers are staring down a crowded legislative calendar with deadlines for funding, foreign aid, and key bills. At the same time, the threat of a government shutdown is rising amid partisan divisions. Economists warn a shutdown would stall recovery efforts and hit federal workers hardest. The situation highlights the fragile state of congressional negotiations.

Trinidad opposition slams rising ‘war talk’ amid regional tensions
Political leaders in Trinidad have raised alarms about what they call dangerous “war talk” rhetoric. The comments come as regional disputes over security and resources intensify. Critics say the inflammatory language risks destabilizing public confidence. Government officials insist they are focused on diplomacy, not escalation.

Rahul Gandhi clashes with Punjab official during flood-hit visit
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi argued with a Punjab official who tried to block his visit to flood-affected areas. The incident sparked political debate over access and transparency in disaster-hit regions. Gandhi accused authorities of mismanaging the crisis. The exchange underscores growing tensions ahead of national elections.

Credit scores fall at fastest rate since Great Recession
According to new data, U.S. credit scores are dropping sharply, marking the fastest decline since the 2008 financial crisis. Rising debt loads, late payments, and inflation are the primary drivers. Analysts warn the trend could limit consumer borrowing power and spending. The report signals potential turbulence in the wider economy.

Senate confirms Trump ally as new top Federal Reserve adviser
The Senate confirmed a Trump-aligned candidate to a key role advising the Federal Reserve. The confirmation has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters praising his economic expertise and critics warning of political influence. His appointment comes as the Fed navigates inflation concerns and growth uncertainty. Observers say his role will be closely scrutinized in the months ahead.

Tesla investigated by U.S. auto regulator over faulty door handles
The U.S. auto safety agency has launched a probe into Tesla vehicles after reports of faulty door handles. Complaints suggest the issue could pose risks in emergencies if doors fail to open. Tesla has faced growing regulatory scrutiny over both safety and automation features. The outcome of the investigation could affect recalls and future designs.

If you want to get serious about business, investing, or even just understanding where your money goes, you need to get comfortable with financial statements.

I know, I know — sounds boring. But here’s the reality: every major money decision in business and investing ties back to these documents. And once you can read them confidently, you see things most people miss.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

When you skim financials, ask yourself:

You don’t need to be an accountant. Start with this:

Spend 15 minutes, and you’ll learn more about the company than most people who work there.

Financial statements aren’t “for accountants.” They’re for anyone who touches money — which is all of us.

Once you can read them, you:

It’s not about memorizing every line. It’s about knowing where to look and asking the right questions.

Why did the investor bring a ladder to the stock market?
Because they heard the market was going up! 📈

On September 17, 2008, the U.S. government bailed out AIG with an $85 billion rescue package during the global financial crisis — one of history’s largest bailouts.

In 2012, a man in Sweden discovered his IKEA “Billy” bookshelf had become a status symbol in China — with online ads reselling them as luxury imports.

Would you rather have perfect insider knowledge of one stock every 5 years, or the ability to always avoid market crashes?

Looking for a way to generate an additional $5,000 per month in income, reply with the word “Course” and will send you over our free course guide teaching you exactly how to build wealth and generate income.

Why? Our job is to help you achieve financial freedom through wealth building and we believe that this can help you do just that. - Ryan Rincon