September 27, 2025

Happy Saturday, friends!
Good morning ☀️—hope your weekend is off to a great start (bonus points if pajamas are still involved 🛋️).

Let’s talk about something most of us secretly dread: losing money on investments. It feels a little like dropping your ice cream cone on the sidewalk—painful, messy, and way too expensive for what it was 🍦💸.

But here’s the good news: just like you can learn to hold that cone a little tighter, you can also learn simple ways to protect your money from slipping away. It’s not about being lucky—it’s about being prepared.

Today’s post digs into exactly that: how to avoid losing money on investments (without needing a finance degree or a crystal ball 🔮).

So, here’s my Saturday thought for you: when you think about money, do you focus more on making it… or keeping it? Both matter, but keeping it might just be the underrated superpower.

Grab your coffee, enjoy the slower weekend pace, and let’s dive in together.

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Madam C.J. Walker

Market Update: Wall Street wrapped up on a high note today with all three major indexes climbing — the Nasdaq rose +0.44% to $22,484.07, the S&P 500 added +0.59% to $6,643.70, and the Dow Jones popped +0.65% to $46,247.29.

Bitcoin held steady with a +0.24% nudge to $109,335.20, while safe-haven metals had their own shine — Gold ticked up +0.49% to $3,789.70, and Silver sparkled brighter with a solid +2.73% jump at $46.35.

On the stock side: Ford raced ahead with a strong +3.36% finish at $12.01, while Coca-Cola fizzled a bit, dipping -0.48% to $65.67. Robinhood also slipped -0.71% to $121.78, cooling off after recent gains.

Microsoft limits Israel Defense Ministry services over Gaza surveillance concerns
Microsoft has restricted certain services to Israel’s Defense Ministry amid fears its tools are being used for surveillance in Gaza. The decision reflects growing pressure on tech firms over their role in global conflicts. Critics say corporate involvement in surveillance risks enabling human rights violations. Israeli officials have not yet responded to the move.

First Brands’ financial woes deepen after creditor seizes company funds
First Brands’ liquidity crisis worsened after a creditor seized funds, leaving the auto parts company struggling to meet financial obligations. Already dealing with mounting debt, the firm now faces increased pressure to secure financing. Analysts warn this could push the company closer to insolvency. The situation highlights broader stresses in the manufacturing sector.

U.S. consumer sentiment remains low, but spending stays resilient
Consumer confidence has dropped back to near-record lows, showing ongoing pessimism about inflation and the economy. Despite this, Americans continue to spend, driven by wage growth and stable employment. Economists warn this spending pattern may not last if confidence continues to erode. The mismatch highlights uncertainty in the broader economic outlook.

Woman sues Universal over ride injuries linked to man’s death
A woman has filed a lawsuit against Universal Studios after being injured on a ride tied to a man’s earlier death. She claims the park failed to maintain proper safety standards. The incident raises renewed concerns over ride safety at major amusement parks. Universal has not issued a public response yet.

Phoenix freeway closures planned for weekend widening projects
Two metro Phoenix freeways will be shut down this weekend for widening projects. Officials warn of significant traffic delays as crews complete construction work. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or avoid travel in the affected zones. The closures are part of a larger infrastructure upgrade effort.

Cruise lines reroute ships as Hurricane Humberto disrupts travel plans
Carnival and Royal Caribbean have adjusted several itineraries to avoid Hurricane Humberto’s path. Passengers were notified of changes as extreme weather forced rerouted stops. The storm underscores how vulnerable cruise travel remains to climate events. Refunds and credits are being offered in some cases.

Dollar heads for strongest week in two months amid Fed bets
The U.S. dollar is on track for its best weekly performance in two months. A shift in market sentiment away from aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts boosted the currency. Analysts say global investors are flocking to the dollar as a safe haven. The rally reflects lingering economic uncertainty worldwide.

Northern Light accuses Anthem of sabotaging mediation process
Northern Light Health claims insurer Anthem is undermining efforts to resolve an ongoing contract dispute. The hospital network alleges Anthem refuses fair negotiations, putting patients at risk of disrupted coverage. Tensions between healthcare providers and insurers have been escalating nationwide. Anthem has not commented on the latest claims.

Oregonians face steep health insurance premium hikes starting in 2026
Oregon residents are bracing for sharp health insurance premium increases in 2026 as expanded ACA rules kick in. Thousands could see double-digit hikes in their monthly costs. Lawmakers argue the reforms are needed to stabilize the system long term. Families worry affordability will worsen in the short term.

Hawai‘i economists warn mild recession likely as outlook weakens
UHERO predicts Hawai‘i will enter a mild recession soon. Weak tourism numbers and rising operating costs are key concerns. The state’s economy has shown resilience in past downturns but remains highly dependent on visitors. Policymakers may need to consider new stimulus measures.

U.S. economy posts surprise 3.8% growth in second quarter
The U.S. economy expanded 3.8% in Q2, exceeding forecasts. Strong consumer spending and resilient job markets fueled the growth. Economists, however, caution that inflationary pressures and high borrowing costs could slow momentum. The upbeat data complicates the Fed’s path on interest rates.

U.S. jobless claims fall, masking potential labor market weakness
Jobless claims dropped again, reflecting resilience in the labor market. Applications for unemployment aid fell below analyst expectations. Still, some economists caution that hiring trends are softening behind the headline numbers. The data suggests a mixed picture of strength and vulnerability.

Russia liquor poisoning leaves 19 dead from tainted alcohol
At least 19 people in Russia have died after consuming tainted liquor. Officials suspect contaminated batches were sold illegally on the black market. The tragedy highlights recurring issues with unregulated alcohol in the country. Authorities are investigating and warning the public against unsafe products.

U.N. rejects effort to delay sanctions against Iran
The U.N. Security Council voted down a proposal to postpone sanctions on Iran. Diplomats argued the move would only embolden Tehran amid ongoing nuclear concerns. The rejection keeps Iran under significant international pressure. Critics say sanctions alone may not change its behavior.

Netanyahu slams Palestine recognition in sparsely attended U.N. address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned international recognition of Palestine during a U.N. speech. The address, delivered to a mostly empty hall, accused world leaders of undermining Israel’s security. His remarks underscore rising tensions over global recognition efforts. Palestinian leaders welcomed the momentum toward statehood.

Everyone talks about how to make money with investing… but not enough people talk about how to not lose it. Protecting your downside is just as important as chasing returns — especially if you want to play the game long term.

Here are some of the most common ways people lose money (and how you can avoid them).

Imagine this: your car breaks down, or you lose your job, and you’re forced to sell stocks at the worst possible time. That’s how people lock in losses.

Solution:

Crypto in 2021. Meme stocks in 2020. AI hype in 2023. There’s always something shiny. And plenty of people who buy in late end up holding the bag.

Solution:

Even if you believe in a company or sector, putting all your eggs in one basket is risky.

Solution:

If you can’t explain how the investment makes money, you probably shouldn’t be in it. Many people lose cash because they bought into something they didn’t fully understand.

Solution:

Returns get eaten up faster than you think. A “small” 1% annual fee can wipe out huge amounts of wealth over 20–30 years. Same goes for short-term capital gains taxes if you’re constantly buying and selling.

Solution:

The market dips, panic sets in, and you sell. Or it soars, and greed pushes you to buy at the top. Emotions cost investors more than bad market conditions ever do.

Solution:

Leverage (using debt to invest) can amplify gains… but it also amplifies losses. A downturn plus leverage can wipe you out faster than you realize.

Solution:

Making money in investing is exciting. But staying wealthy? That’s about defense.

If you:

…you’ll already be ahead of the majority of investors who lose because of preventable mistakes.

Why don’t graveyards ever get overcrowded?
Because people are dying to get in! ⚰️😂

On September 26, 1957, the New York Stock Exchange moved into its modern building on Wall Street, marking a new era for global finance.

In 2007, Iceland had more companies registered than actual citizens. Talk about everyone wanting to be a CEO! 🇮🇸📈

Would you rather have unlimited time to work on projects (but only average talent), or extraordinary talent (but only one hour per day to use it)?

*Answers at the bottom

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