September 30, 2025

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Good morning 🌞—I hope you’re rolling into the last day of September with a little extra spark (and maybe a pumpkin spice something in hand 🎃☕).

Quick question: do you ever wonder where your money actually goes each month? Like, one minute you’re swiping for “just a quick snack,” and the next your bank account is looking at you like, “Really? Was that third latte necessary?” 😅

That’s why today’s post is all about running a simple personal cash flow audit. Not the scary, IRS kind—more like giving your money a friendly checkup. It’s about clarity, not shame. When you know where every dollar is headed, you can start steering it toward what really matters to you.

Think of it as putting little GPS trackers on your money. No more “lost in transit” dollars—just a clean map showing exactly where your wealth is growing (and where it might be quietly sneaking out the back door 🚪💸).

So today, let’s ditch the money mystery and turn confusion into confidence. Future-you will thank present-you for this one.

Let’s jump in!

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Charlie Munger

Market Update: The markets are shining green to kick things off — Nasdaq climbed +0.48% to $22,591.15, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones also sneaking higher, adding +0.26% and +0.15% respectively.

The real energy, though, came from the digital world: Bitcoin blasted up +1.70%, now holding strong at $114,107.30, while its partner-in-crypto Ethereum flexed even harder, soaring +2.14% to $4,229.83 🚀.

Commodities were mixed — Gold inched up just +0.057% (basically flat at $3,857.40), but Silver slipped -0.13%, losing a bit of its shine.

On the stock side: Apple took a -0.40% dip, landing at $254.43, and Citi slid -0.24% to $103.16. Nothing catastrophic, just a little turbulence.

So overall: Wall Street’s in steady green, crypto’s charging ahead, gold’s just sipping coffee, and big names like Apple and Citi are taking a breather.

ChatGPT unveils changes following concerns after teen suicide case
OpenAI rolled out new safety and content moderation measures for ChatGPT. The move follows scrutiny after the technology was linked to a teenager’s suicide. The company says updates aim to improve user protection and responsible use.

Trump and Netanyahu warn Hamas: Accept Gaza plan or face consequences
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu jointly pressed Hamas to agree to a proposed Gaza peace plan. They warned that failure to cooperate could lead to severe retaliation. The move underscores rising pressure on Hamas as tensions in the region escalate.

Moldova’s pro-EU party secures majority, defeating pro-Russian rivals
Moldova’s ruling pro-European party won a decisive majority in parliamentary elections. The victory dealt a major blow to pro-Russian forces seeking closer ties with Moscow. Analysts say the results will strengthen Moldova’s path toward EU integration.

Tariffs to raise costs for furniture, remodeling, consumer goods
New tariffs are expected to drive up prices on furniture and home remodeling. Economists warn consumers will feel the pinch, with higher costs likely passed along quickly. Retailers and contractors are bracing for reduced demand as affordability drops.

UK Labour seeks to rebuild strained ties with business leaders
Labour Party leaders are working to restore confidence among UK businesses. Many firms have voiced frustration over inconsistent economic messaging and policy shifts. Analysts say rebuilding trust will be crucial ahead of the next election.

Bank of Israel keeps interest rates steady amid uncertainty
The Bank of Israel left its benchmark interest rate unchanged this week. Officials cited ongoing global economic uncertainty and domestic inflation concerns. Analysts expect rates to remain stable until stronger growth signals appear.

Why XRP’s value goes beyond price: Five driving factors
A new analysis outlines five key reasons XRP remains valuable. Factors include its role in cross-border payments, partnerships with major banks, and liquidity advantages. Supporters argue XRP’s ecosystem strength helps it stand apart from competitors.

Strategy firm executes third-smallest Bitcoin buy as demand fluctuates
Investment firm Strategy made one of its smallest Bitcoin purchases in 2025. The move highlights slowing institutional demand compared to past quarters. Still, Bitcoin advocates say smaller but steady buys indicate ongoing market confidence.

Top New York crypto regulator Adrienne Harris steps down
Adrienne Harris, New York’s leading crypto regulator, announced her resignation. Harris oversaw key licensing reforms and enforcement actions during her tenure. Her departure raises questions about the state’s future regulatory direction for crypto markets.

Carnival raises forecast as travel demand and bookings surge
Carnival Cruises increased its earnings outlook following stronger-than-expected bookings. Analysts credit pent-up travel demand and improved onboard experiences. The company says momentum continues despite higher costs for fuel and operations.

Bally’s unveils new vision for Las Vegas resort and ballpark
Bally’s revealed updated plans for its integrated resort in Las Vegas. The development will include a new stadium for the A’s baseball team. Officials say the project could boost tourism and reshape the Strip’s entertainment scene.

Lufthansa to cut 4,000 jobs, leverage AI for efficiency gains
Lufthansa announced plans to eliminate 4,000 jobs by 2030. Executives say artificial intelligence will help streamline operations and strengthen profitability. The airline also expects stronger long-term growth from international travel recovery.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch creates glowing ‘jellyfish’ trail in sky
A SpaceX rocket lit up the night sky with a dramatic “jellyfish” effect. The Falcon 9 carried a payload of Starlink satellites into orbit. Spectators across the western U.S. captured images of the glowing display.

Italy debates independent satellite program to reduce reliance on partners
Italian officials are weighing whether to build and launch their own satellites. The debate comes amid concerns about dependence on broader European programs. Supporters argue domestic control could improve security and boost the space industry.

NASA launches atmospheric satellite to study hydrogen and search for life
NASA deployed a new “spy satellite” to monitor Earth’s hydrogen escape. The mission could help scientists identify distant exoplanets with water potential. Astronomers also expect insights into Earth’s own atmospheric evolution.

Most people know their salary. Some even know their monthly rent or mortgage. But ask them how much cash actually flows through their life in a month — where it comes from, where it goes, and what’s left — and they freeze.

That’s a problem. Because whether you’re a high-paid executive, a business owner, or just starting out, cash flow is the foundation of building wealth. And the good news? Running a personal cash flow audit doesn’t require spreadsheets full of formulas. You can do it in a weekend.

List out every way money enters your world in a typical month:

👉 The goal isn’t just to total this up — it’s to see how diversified you are. Relying on one income stream makes you fragile.

These are the things that hit your account every month, whether you think about them or not:

👉 Look for “subscription creep.” People often find $100–$300/month in old apps, streaming services, or memberships they don’t even use.

This is where money leaks out quietly:

👉 Use a debit/credit statement for the last 2–3 months. Patterns pop up quickly.

Now it’s simple:

Income – Expenses = Net Cash Flow

Here’s where the audit pays off:

You can’t grow what you don’t measure. Wealth building isn’t just about stocks, real estate, or business. It starts with knowing how much money you actually keep.

Once you have visibility, every decision gets easier: how much to invest, when to expand your business, when to take risks, or when to pull back.

Think of it like this: a business owner would never run a company without looking at cash flow. Why should your personal finances be any different?

Why don’t bankers ever get lost?
Because they always follow the interest.

I have keys but no locks.
I can open many things but cannot be opened myself.
What am I?

Three people check into a hotel room for $30. They each pay $10. Later, the manager realizes the room should have only cost $25. He gives the bellboy $5 to return, but the bellboy, not knowing how to split $5 evenly, gives each guest $1 back and keeps $2 for himself.

Now each guest paid $9, totaling $27, plus the $2 the bellboy kept makes $29. Where did the missing $1 go?

Would you rather:

*Answers at the bottom

Riddle - Answer: A piano 🎹

Brain Teaser - Answer: There’s no missing dollar. The $27 includes the bellboy’s $2. The correct math is: $25 (room) + $2 (bellboy) + $3 (returned) = $30.