September 21, 2025

Welcome Back,
Happy Sunday!
Good morning ☀️—I hope you’re finding a little space today for rest, reflection, or maybe just that second cup of coffee you actually get to drink while it’s still hot.
Here’s a thought to kick off your day: profit might look flashy on paper, but it’s not always the whole story. The number that really tells the truth? Cash flow. Think of it like the heartbeat of your money—it shows whether things are really alive and moving, or just looking good on the surface.
That’s why today’s post is all about understanding cash flow—the number that matters more than profit. Because once you learn to read it, you’ll see your finances (and even businesses you interact with) in a totally different light.
So, here’s a fun little question to reflect on while you sip your coffee: if your money were a river, would it be flowing steady, rushing wildly, or getting stuck in a dam? 🌊
— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
Quote of The Day
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
World

Cyberattack disrupts major European airports, crippling flights at Heathrow and Brussels
A large-scale cyberattack has struck several European airports, including London’s Heathrow and Brussels, causing widespread disruption to operations. Travelers faced delays and cancellations as systems went offline, sparking chaos across terminals. Authorities are investigating the source of the attack, which raises fresh concerns about vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Officials have yet to confirm whether the incident is linked to state actors or organized crime.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill 14 as global recognition grows
Israeli strikes on Gaza City have left at least 14 dead amid intensifying violence in the region. The assault coincides with growing international momentum for recognizing a Palestinian state, adding political weight to the conflict. Residents described scenes of devastation as buildings crumbled and rescue operations scrambled to save lives. The strikes have further inflamed tensions, with leaders warning of a broader regional escalation.
Russia launches large-scale attack on Ukraine, killing three and injuring dozens
Russian forces carried out a major assault on Ukraine, launching strikes that killed three people and wounded dozens more. The attack targeted civilian areas as well as infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian toll of the ongoing war. Emergency services rushed to respond, but damage across multiple cities left residents trapped and fearful. Western leaders condemned the attack, pledging continued support for Ukraine as Moscow escalates its offensive.
Economy

Three key reasons your grocery bill is rising every month
Grocery bills are climbing again, with shoppers facing higher costs at the checkout. Experts point to rising fuel prices, supply chain challenges, and ongoing inflation as the main culprits behind the surge. Families are cutting back or turning to discount retailers as food becomes less affordable. Analysts warn the trend may persist, squeezing household budgets well into the coming months.
US soybean farmers face crisis as China freezes imports
American soybean growers are reeling after China froze orders, intensifying trade and agricultural tensions. Farmers warn of devastating financial losses as crops sit unsold and prices collapse. The freeze is linked to broader geopolitical disputes, leaving agriculture caught in the middle. Officials are urging new trade deals to offset the fallout, but uncertainty remains high.
China’s ‘Anti-Involution’ campaign signals shift with global economic implications
China has launched a campaign against “involution,” aimed at tackling overwork and inefficiency in its economy. While focused domestically, the policy is expected to have ripple effects across global markets. Analysts say the campaign may alter supply chains, shift labor practices, and reshape foreign investment flows. The move underscores Beijing’s bid to reorient its economic model for long-term sustainability.
Politics

Gage Skidmore / WIKI Commons
Democrats gamble on shutdown strategy in Trump-era political standoff
Democrats are pushing a shutdown showdown with Republicans, calling it a necessary gamble in the Trump-dominated political climate. The move highlights partisan brinkmanship as budget negotiations stall and government funding deadlines loom. Critics argue the strategy risks harming federal workers and services, while supporters frame it as drawing a line on key priorities. The standoff sets the stage for another bruising fight in Washington.
House passes Charlie Kirk resolution with rare bipartisan support
The House of Representatives approved a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, passing with bipartisan backing. The vote highlights Kirk’s growing influence across political divides, despite ongoing polarization in Congress. Lawmakers from both parties emphasized the symbolic nature of the resolution. While not legally binding, it carries significant political messaging ahead of the next election cycle.
Deputy Secretary Landau meets Syrian foreign minister amid fragile diplomacy
US Deputy Secretary of State Landau met with Syria’s foreign minister to discuss regional conflicts and diplomatic concerns. The talks, held amid strained US-Syrian relations, focused on humanitarian aid and security issues. Observers noted the meeting as a cautious step toward engagement, even as Washington maintains sanctions. Critics, however, questioned the value of dialogue given Syria’s alliances with Russia and Iran.
Finance

Health insurance premiums could surge over 80% next year
Analysts warn US health insurance premiums may soar by more than 80% in 2026. Rising medical costs, fewer subsidies, and insurer pressures are driving the potential spike. Families could face thousands more in out-of-pocket costs, straining budgets already hit by inflation. Lawmakers are bracing for backlash as healthcare affordability becomes a major political flashpoint.
M&T Bank restores mobile app after major outage disrupted users
M&T Bank’s mobile app is back online after a widespread outage left customers unable to access their accounts. The downtime frustrated thousands who rely on digital banking for payments and transfers. Bank officials apologized, citing technical issues, but assured that no customer data was compromised. The incident highlights growing dependence on digital financial services — and their vulnerabilities.
Gold prices remain steady despite concerns about rising global costs
Gold, often seen as a safe-haven asset, has not reached the lofty highs some predicted. Analysts say while inflation and market uncertainty are present, investor behavior has tempered gains. The commodity continues to serve as a hedge, but demand has not spiked dramatically. Experts advise watching upcoming Fed decisions and global instability for potential price movement.
Corporate

Nvidia set to benefit from Intel deal, new revenue streams
Nvidia is positioned to gain from new revenue opportunities tied to its partnership with Intel. Analysts predict the deal could significantly boost Nvidia’s already surging profits, especially in AI and data processing. The news reassures investors who have watched Nvidia dominate the semiconductor market. Wall Street sees this as another step cementing the company’s leadership in tech innovation.
Supreme Court delays action on Trump request to fire Cook
The Supreme Court has not yet acted on former President Trump’s request to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The case has drawn sharp debate over presidential authority versus institutional independence. Critics say granting the request would erode checks and balances in the financial system. The delay suggests the justices may weigh the case carefully before making a precedent-setting ruling.
FDA approves new injectable cancer therapy from Merck
The US FDA has approved Merck’s latest injectable version of a blockbuster cancer treatment. The new format makes it easier for patients to receive therapy, potentially expanding its reach. Experts say the approval reflects the FDA’s commitment to fast-tracking innovative treatments. Merck expects strong adoption rates, reinforcing its leading position in oncology pharmaceuticals.
Today’s Snapshot
Understanding Cash Flow: The Number That Matters More Than Profit
When people talk about business (or even personal finance), they love to throw around the word “profit.”
But here’s the kicker: profit doesn’t keep your lights on. Cash flow does.
A business can show a profit on paper and still go bankrupt because it ran out of cash to cover bills. Same goes for individuals — plenty of people with six-figure incomes still live paycheck to paycheck because their cash flow is a mess.
Let’s break down what cash flow actually is, why it matters, and how to manage it better.
What Cash Flow Really Means
Cash flow is simply:
Money in – money out = what’s left to actually use.
That’s it. It’s not complicated, but it’s often ignored.
A profitable business might have invoices outstanding for months… while rent, payroll, and suppliers all want to be paid today.
A high-earning employee might have big bonuses on paper but no liquidity because of car payments, subscriptions, and lifestyle costs draining their account.
The lesson: profit is theory, cash flow is survival.
Types of Cash Flow to Track
For businesses and individuals, there are a few buckets to pay attention to:
Operating Cash Flow
Day-to-day money coming in and going out.
For a business: sales revenue minus expenses.
For you personally: salary or income minus living expenses.
Investing Cash Flow
Money spent or earned on investments.
For a business: buying equipment, selling assets.
For individuals: buying stocks, real estate, crypto, etc.
Financing Cash Flow
Money from loans, credit, or outside funding.
For businesses: bank loans, investors, debt repayments.
For individuals: credit cards, mortgages, personal loans.
When you look at these together, you can actually see where the money is moving instead of just looking at the end result.
Why Cash Flow Matters More Than Most Realize
Businesses fail without it. In fact, lack of cash flow is the #1 reason small businesses shut down. Not lack of profit — lack of liquidity.
Individuals stay broke without it. If you make $150,000 a year but spend $140,000, you’re cash flow poor. Your “profit” doesn’t matter because you’re one job loss away from disaster.
Investors care about it. Ever hear the phrase “cash is king”? When investors look at businesses, they want to see strong cash flow, not just fancy profit statements.
Practical Steps to Improve Cash Flow
Here’s where it gets actionable.
For Individuals:
Track your burn rate. Know how much you actually spend each month. Most people underestimate it.
Automate savings. Treat investing or saving like a fixed bill — move it first before you spend.
Cut “invisible leaks.” Subscriptions, fees, eating out. They add up.
Build an emergency buffer. At least 3–6 months of expenses in liquid cash.
For Business Owners:
Invoice faster. Shorten payment terms (net 30 → net 15). Offer discounts for early payment.
Negotiate with suppliers. Push for longer terms (pay in 60 days instead of 30).
Manage inventory. Don’t tie up cash in stock that sits on shelves.
Watch debt repayments. Structure them in a way that doesn’t choke your monthly cash flow.
The Cash Flow Mindset
Here’s the mindset shift:
Don’t just ask: Am I profitable?
Ask: Do I actually have the cash to cover today and invest in tomorrow?
Think of cash flow as the bloodstream of your finances. If the flow gets blocked, the whole system suffers, no matter how good the “numbers on paper” look.
Quick Cash Flow Checklist
Do I know my monthly inflows and outflows?
Do I have at least 3–6 months of cash buffer?
Am I getting paid quickly enough (or paying myself first)?
Are my investments or expenses tying up too much cash?
Could I free up money by cutting or renegotiating?
Final Word
Cash flow is one of those boring-sounding things that actually makes or breaks financial freedom. Get this right, and you’ll never be in a position where you’re forced to sell assets at the wrong time, take on bad debt, or shut down a business that’s profitable “on paper.”
Profit is a goal.
Cash flow is the lifeline.
Master it, and you’ll always have options.
Fun Stuff
😂 Funny Joke
Why did the banker break up with their calculator?
👉 They felt like they couldn’t count on it anymore.
📜 Financial History – What Happened Today?
On September 21, 1999, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 10,000 points for the first time since July, signaling optimism in the tech-driven economy.
🤯 Wild & Wacky Business Fact
Amazon once auctioned off a human kidney in the late 1990s during its early marketplace days. The listing was quickly removed… but it caused headlines worldwide!
🔀 Would You Rather
Would you rather…
Have the ability to double your money every year, but never be able to spend more than $50 a day?
OR earn a steady $250,000 annual salary, but with no investments allowed?
Thought of The Day
In business and life, the greatest leverage often comes not from working harder, but from learning smarter. Knowledge compounds, just like money.
Reply
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
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.