September 23, 2025

Welcome Back,
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Good morning ☀️—I hope today greets you with more calm than chaos (and if not, at least some strong coffee to balance it out).
Here’s a thought: have you ever noticed how inflation is kind of like that sneaky friend who “forgets” their wallet every time you go out? They don’t show up loudly, but little by little, you’re the one left covering the bill. 💸
That’s why today we’re talking about how to protect your investments from inflation—because building wealth isn’t just about making money, it’s about making sure it keeps its power. Think of it as putting a shield around your hard work so it doesn’t quietly shrink while you’re not looking. 🛡️
So here’s a fun question to start your day: if your money could suit up like a superhero, what would its “anti-inflation” power be?
— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
Quote of The Day
“Your reputation is more important than your paycheck, and your integrity is worth more than your career.”
— Ryan Freitas
Market Update

*Market data represents the most recent market close at 5:00pm ET
Market Update: The markets are serving up quite the mixed cocktail today! 🍹
Wall Street’s big indexes are flexing some green — Nasdaq (+0.70%), S&P 500 (+0.44%), and the Dow Jones (+0.14%) are all climbing steadily. But Bitcoin seems to have misplaced its mojo, dipping -2.14% to around $112K.
Meanwhile, the metals are sparkling: Gold shines bright at +2.03% and Silver sparkles even more at +2.86%. Clearly, someone’s hoarding treasure chests today. 🏆✨
On the stock side, Google stumbles -0.92%, while Robinhood barely squeaks into the green (+0.09%). But the real rocket ship? Lucid, blasting +6.35% like it’s headed straight for the moon. 🚀🌕
So, in short — tech is wobbling, crypto’s struggling, but shiny metals and EV dreams are stealing the spotlight.
U.S.

South Korea warns U.S. investment demands risk sparking financial crisis
President Lee of South Korea cautioned that Washington’s demands for increased U.S. investments could destabilize his nation’s economy. He said the pressure may trigger severe financial disruptions across Asia. This highlights rising tensions between allies over economic leverage and national priorities.
The U.S. economy faces new challenge as democracy falters
Political dysfunction and threats to democratic norms are destabilizing the U.S. economy. Analysts warn that institutional erosion undermines investor confidence and policymaking. The turbulence could intensify risks of recession and weaken global trust in U.S. stability.
Netanyahu vows retaliation against nations recognizing Palestinian statehood
Backed by U.S. support, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged consequences for countries formally recognizing a Palestinian state. He framed such moves as undermining Israel’s security and sovereignty. His defiance underscores growing international divisions over Middle East diplomacy.
Politics

Trump to meet Democrats as shutdown looms closer
Trump is scheduled to meet with Democratic leaders to negotiate ways to avoid a government shutdown. The talks come amid deep partisan divides over spending. With time running out, the outcome could shape federal operations and political fallout.
U.S. sanctions two Haitian officials for major corruption involvement
The State Department designated two former Haitian public officials over significant corruption ties. Officials say the action reflects Washington’s push for accountability amid Haiti’s political instability. The sanctions freeze assets and restrict access to the U.S. system.
Trump teases autism announcement while shutdown deadline approaches
At a rally, Trump promised “big news” on autism policy while acknowledging the ticking clock toward a government shutdown. Critics say the messaging distracts from the looming fiscal crisis. His remarks come as tensions over budget funding escalate rapidly.
Economy

Delayed U.S. economic report set for October 30 release
The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed that a key report postponed last week will be published on October 30. Investors and policymakers are awaiting the data for insights on growth. The delay raised concerns, but the new timeline offers clarity.
Fed official Musalem says U.S. economy near full employment
Federal Reserve official Musalem believes the labor market is at or near full employment. He highlighted resilience despite inflationary pressures. Still, policymakers remain cautious about balancing growth with price stability.
Fed’s Hammack warns inflation remains too high for easing
Fed governor Hammack said inflation levels remain elevated, making it risky to ease monetary policy too soon. She argued that premature rate cuts could backfire. Her stance signals continued caution from the central bank despite public pressure.
Finance

Gold climbs to record high, silver hits 14-year best
Mining.com reports that gold and silver prices surged to their strongest levels in years. Investors are flocking to precious metals amid inflation fears and geopolitical instability. Analysts say momentum could continue if economic uncertainty deepens.
XRP ETF plunges 6% at open, sparking opportunity debate
TradingView notes the U.S. XRP ETF lost 6% immediately after market opening. Some analysts call it a temporary dip, others warn of instability. The debate reflects wider uncertainty around crypto ETFs in volatile markets.
Trump’s Gold Card Visa offered at steep 80% discount
Forbes reports Trump’s luxury-branded Gold Card Visa has gone on sale for $1 million—down 80% from its prior asking price. The drastic price cut raises questions about demand and branding strategy. Supporters frame it as a savvy marketing move.
Digital Currencies

Major cryptocurrencies plunge $1.7B amid mass liquidations
Yahoo Finance reports Dogecoin, Solana, and Ethereum dropped sharply as crypto liquidations reached $1.7 billion. Analysts say leveraged bets intensified the selloff. The volatility underscores ongoing fragility in digital assets despite broader adoption.
Strive acquires Semler Scientific in $567M Bitcoin deal
Decrypt reports Strive Asset Management will acquire Semler Scientific through an all-cash Bitcoin transaction worth $567 million. The deal reflects growing mainstream use of crypto in corporate finance. Supporters call it a milestone in digital asset adoption.
BitMine adds 264K ETH while BMNR stock slides 5%
CoinSpeaker notes Tom Lee’s BitMine Technologies accumulated 264,000 ETH during recent price dips. However, shares of its parent company BMNR fell 5%. Investors appear split on whether the strategy will pay off long-term.
Today’s Snapshot
How to Protect Your Investments From Inflation
Most people know inflation eats away at money sitting in a bank account. What’s less obvious is how inflation silently reduces the real returns on investments if you’re not paying attention.
This article breaks down:
Why inflation matters even for investors
How it affects different asset classes
Practical ways to position yourself so your portfolio keeps growing in real terms
Why Inflation Matters for Investors
Let’s say you earn 6% a year in the stock market. Sounds solid, right? But if inflation is running at 4%, your real return is only 2%. That difference adds up big over 10, 20, or 30 years.
This isn’t just theory. If you ignore inflation, you might hit your target number on paper, but in reality you’ll be able to buy much less with it.
How Inflation Impacts Different Investments
Cash & savings accounts → Hit the hardest. Inflation eats them alive. Even “high yield” savings rates often lag behind.
Bonds → Fixed-income investments lose real value as inflation rises, unless you hold inflation-protected securities.
Stocks → Generally adjust better because companies can raise prices, but not all sectors perform equally.
Real estate → Often a strong hedge, since rents and property values tend to rise with inflation.
Commodities (like gold, oil, etc.) → Historically spike when inflation is high, but they’re volatile and not always reliable long term.
How to Protect Your Portfolio
Here are practical steps you can take:
Diversify beyond cash and bonds
Keep some liquidity, but don’t overexpose yourself to assets that get crushed by inflation.
Use inflation-protected securities (TIPS)
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities adjust with inflation and can serve as a safety net.
Own productive assets
Stocks in companies with pricing power.
Real estate in areas with consistent demand.
Think globally
Inflation isn’t the same everywhere. International diversification can give you a buffer.
Consider “real” assets
Commodities, infrastructure, or even farmland — these tend to hold value when paper assets lose purchasing power.
A Practical Example
Imagine you’ve got $100,000:
$40,000 in broad stock market ETFs
$20,000 in real estate or REITs
$20,000 in TIPS or other inflation-linked bonds
$10,000 in commodities or gold
$10,000 in cash for emergencies
This mix isn’t perfect for everyone, but it shows how you can build in protection without abandoning growth.
Final Thought
Inflation isn’t something you can control — but you can control how prepared your money is for it.
Ignoring it is like running a marathon with a slow leak in your shoe: you won’t notice it mile by mile, but over the long haul, it’ll ruin your finish.
Take a fresh look at your portfolio and ask: If inflation stays high, will my money still grow in real terms?
That’s how you protect yourself, no matter what stage you’re in.
Fun Stuff
😂 Funny Joke
Why did the accountant break up with the calculator?
…She felt he was just adding to her problems.
📜 Financial History — On This Day
On September 23, 1929, the stock market peaked just before the Great Depression crash — a chilling reminder of how fragile market confidence can be.
🤯 Wild & Wacky Business Fact
In the early 1900s, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes were originally marketed as a health food to prevent “unhealthy habits.” It quickly became a global breakfast staple instead.
❓ Would You Rather
Would you rather:
Own 1% of Apple but never sell it,
ORHave $20 million cash upfront today to invest however you want?
*Answers at the bottom
Thought of The Day
The biggest risks often hide behind comfort. If you never stretch beyond what feels safe, you may quietly miss your greatest growth and wealth opportunities.
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.