September 18, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Thursday!
Good morning 🌞—I hope your day is starting off smoothly (and that your coffee tastes like a hug in a mug).

Let me ask you something: have you ever looked at your bank statement, noticed a tiny fee, and thought “Eh, it’s just a few bucks”… only to realize later those little gremlins were eating away at your money every single month? 🐀💸

That’s the sneaky thing about hidden fees—they’re like financial termites. You don’t see the damage until it’s too late, and by then, they’ve quietly chewed through a big chunk of your wealth.

Today, we’re shining a light on the silent killer of businesses and investments: hidden fees. The truth? Spotting and eliminating them can sometimes make a bigger difference than chasing the next “hot” investment.

So grab your coffee, maybe peek at your last statement, and let’s talk about how to stop letting invisible fees quietly rob you of your hard work. 🚀

Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Quote of The Day

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk … In a world that changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

Mark Zuckerberg

Market Update

*Market data represents the most recent market close at 5:00pm ET

Market Update: Wall Street kicked off the day with mixed vibes — the Nasdaq slid by 0.33%, while the S&P 500 dipped a softer 0.10%, and the Dow Jones bucked the trend, sneaking in a 0.57% gain. Over in crypto, Bitcoin stumbled by just over 1%, cooling off after recent rallies. Commodities weren’t much better — Gold dropped 0.83%, and Silver tumbled more than 2%, shining a little less bright.

On the stock front, Nvidia took the hardest hit, plunging 2.60%, while OpenDoor surprised investors with a solid 1.29% climb. Meanwhile, Pfizer quietly inched up 0.17%, keeping things steady in healthcare.

📊 In short: Tech felt the squeeze, metals lost their sparkle, but the Dow and a few underdogs kept today’s tape from turning completely red.

U.S.

Trump asks Supreme Court for total control over U.S. economy
Donald Trump has filed a request with the Supreme Court seeking unprecedented authority over the nation’s economic policies. Supporters argue it would streamline governance, while critics warn of authoritarian overreach. The case could set a historic precedent for presidential power in financial matters.

Trump begins historic state visit to UK amid pomp and protests
Donald Trump arrived in the UK for a highly publicized state visit marked by royal pageantry and street demonstrations. While officials highlight the importance of U.S.-UK ties, protest groups have mobilized to oppose his policies. The visit will include meetings with Prime Minister Starmer and King Charles.

U.S. designates Colombia country 'failing to cooperate in drug war'
The U.S. government has officially listed Colombia as not doing enough to combat narcotics trafficking. The move could impact billions in U.S. aid and strain bilateral relations. Colombian leaders argue they have made significant progress, but Washington insists more action is needed.

World

German suspect in McCann case freed after serving unrelated sentence
The main German suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance was released after completing time for an unrelated crime. Authorities maintain he remains under investigation in McCann’s case. The development raises new questions about the pace and direction of the probe.

Thousands flee Gaza City as Israeli troops advance further south
The Israeli military’s advance has triggered another mass exodus, with thousands leaving Gaza City. Families are seeking safety as heavy bombardments continue, straining humanitarian resources. Aid groups warn conditions are worsening rapidly amid food and water shortages.

Navalny’s widow cites new lab proof he was poisoned in prison
Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny, says fresh lab results confirm he was poisoned. She accused Russian authorities of covering up his death and called for international accountability. Western governments are expected to intensify sanctions in response.

Crypto

Fellowship PAC launches with $100M to push crypto policy goals
A new political action committee has been formed to influence U.S. crypto regulation, with $100 million in funding. The group aims to support candidates who favor digital currency innovation. Critics fear this could give crypto firms disproportionate political sway.

Bitcoin, XRP, Dogecoin rise on rate-cut optimism, Ethereum stays flat
Major cryptocurrencies saw gains as hopes of Federal Reserve rate cuts buoyed investor sentiment. Bitcoin and XRP surged, while Dogecoin also posted sharp increases. Ethereum, however, lagged behind, with analysts pointing to technical resistance levels.

Nasdaq-listed GD Culture plunges on $875M Bitcoin acquisition deal
Shares of GD Culture collapsed after the company revealed a massive $875 million acquisition tied to Bitcoin. Investors expressed concern over the scale and risks of the transaction. Analysts say the fallout highlights volatility in crypto-linked corporate strategies.

Travel

Protests strand 900 Machu Picchu tourists after rocks block train tracks
Hundreds of tourists remain stranded in Machu Picchu after protesters blocked railway access with rocks. The disruption comes amid demonstrations over local economic grievances. Authorities are working to clear the tracks, but delays are expected to last for days.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas rushes back to Miami after fight
The world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, cut its itinerary short after a violent brawl near a kids’ pool. Royal Caribbean confirmed several guests were injured during the altercation. The ship docked back in Miami as law enforcement investigates.

North Carolina beach home collapses into ocean amid erosion
A beachfront home in North Carolina collapsed into the Atlantic, prompting officials to restrict beach access. Rising tides and erosion are being blamed for the sudden collapse. Environmentalists warn that such incidents may become increasingly common with climate change.

Finance

Silver slumps near $42 as investors brace for Fed decision
Silver prices fell sharply to $42.00 as traders await the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. Analysts warn that hawkish signals could trigger further declines. Some, however, see potential buying opportunities if the Fed opts for caution.

Gold market analysis: Key intraday entry levels for traders
Gold prices remain volatile as investors track Fed updates and global uncertainty. Analysts identified crucial intraday levels for short-term trading strategies. Demand for safe-haven assets continues to support gold despite recent pullbacks.

Stock-option pros bet big on calm Fed Day volatility
Professional investors are hedging cautiously as Fed Day approaches, betting that volatility will remain subdued. Stock-option strategies show expectations of modest moves despite high market tension. Traders say the Fed’s messaging will be key to market direction.

Today’s Snapshot

The Silent Killer of Businesses and Investments: Hidden Fees

Most people think their biggest financial risks are bad investments, recessions, or market crashes. But there’s another enemy quietly draining wealth from both professionals and beginners alike: fees.

They don’t look scary. In fact, they’re often just a tiny percentage on paper. But over time? They add up to thousands — sometimes millions — lost.

Let’s dig into this in a way that actually matters for your money.

Where Fees Hide

  1. Investment Accounts

    • Mutual funds often charge “expense ratios.” A 1% fee sounds small, but on a $100k portfolio compounding for 30 years, that’s hundreds of thousands gone.

    • Brokerage fees, transaction costs, and even “account maintenance” charges sneak in.

  2. Retirement Plans (401k/IRA)

    • Many corporate retirement accounts are stuffed with high-fee funds.

    • Example: a 1.5% expense ratio vs. a 0.05% index fund fee could mean retiring with $1.2M instead of $1.8M. That’s $600,000 lost to fees.

  3. Banking

    • Overdraft, minimum balance penalties, wire transfer charges, ATM fees.

    • These don’t just eat into cash — they teach bad financial habits (ignoring the fine print).

  4. Business Expenses

    • Merchant services taking 3% of every transaction.

    • Software subscriptions nobody uses.

    • Payment processors that look “cheap” but take a percentage cut every time you get paid.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

  • Compounding doesn’t just work for you — it works against you if fees are high.

  • A 7% annual return reduced by a 2% fee is effectively a 5% return. Over 30 years, that’s the difference between doubling your money and barely growing it.

  • Businesses with slim margins can see profits vanish when hidden costs creep in.

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s what you can do starting today:

  • Audit your investments

    • Look up the “expense ratio” of every fund you own.

    • Swap high-fee mutual funds for low-cost ETFs or index funds.

  • Audit your subscriptions

    • Cancel anything unused. In business, do a quarterly check — software waste is real.

  • Negotiate with providers

    • Merchant fees, insurance premiums, even bank fees are negotiable if you ask.

  • Use fee calculators

    • Tools like Vanguard’s or FINRA’s fee analyzer show exactly how much you’re losing over decades.

Real-Life Example

Two people invest $10,000 a year for 30 years:

  • Investor A: Pays 0.05% in fees (low-cost index fund).

  • Investor B: Pays 1.5% in fees (actively managed fund).

Both earn 7% before fees.

  • Investor A ends with $944,000.

  • Investor B ends with $694,000.

That’s $250,000 gone — not because of bad investing, but because of fees.

Final Thought

The financial world makes fees seem invisible, because they know if you saw the real cost, you’d revolt.

But now you know. And once you train yourself to look for them, you’ll find ways to keep more money compounding in your favor instead of quietly leaking away.

It’s not the big flashy mistakes that ruin wealth — it’s the little cuts you never notice. Stop the bleeding, and your money will grow faster than you think.

Fun Stuff

🧩 Riddle

I’m taken before you get me, given before you use me, and sold before you own me. What am I?

🏢 Guess the Company

This company began by renting out air mattresses in a San Francisco apartment during a conference because hotels were too expensive.

📜 Financial History – On This Day

On September 18, 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Beyond politics, it symbolized America’s foundation of law, governance, and future economic growth.

🧠 Brain Teaser

A man buys a horse for $50 and sells it for $60. He then buys it back for $70 and sells it again for $80. How much profit did he make?

*Answers at the bottom

Thought of The Day

Every decision you delay is a missed compound effect. Whether in finance or personal growth, small consistent choices today become massive shifts tomorrow.

Answers

Riddle - Answer: A promise 🤝

Guess the Company - Answer: Airbnb 🛎️

Brain Teaser - Answer: $20 profit total 🐴

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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

That’s All For Today

I hope you enjoyed today’s issue of The Wealth Wagon. If you have any questions regarding today’s issue or future issues feel free to reply to this email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Come back tomorrow for another market update, and snapshot. I hope to see you. 🤙

— Ryan Rincon, CEO and Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.

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