September 8, 2025

Happy Monday, friends!
Good morning 🌞—new week, fresh start, and (hopefully) not too many emails waiting for you.

Here’s a thought: wealth doesn’t always slip through our fingers because of big mistakes. More often, it’s the quiet, invisible money leaks—the subscriptions you forgot about, the fees you didn’t notice, the “just this once” splurges that turn into habits.

Today’s post is all about spotting and plugging those leaks: The Money Leaks You Don’t Notice (But Are Silently Costing You Wealth). Because every dollar you keep is one that can be working for you instead of disappearing without a trace.

So let’s kick off this Monday by tightening up the ship—small fixes today that can make a big difference tomorrow. 🚀

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

– Mark Twain

Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.

Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.

No wonder 10K+ everyday people are taking the chance on Pacaso.

Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.

Invest While You Still Can

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

After tense negotiations, Seoul has wrapped up discussions with the U.S. to secure the release of South Korean nationals detained in a Hyundai factory raid. The talks underline how global business disputes can quickly escalate into diplomatic headaches. While the outcome remains unclear, both governments face mounting pressure to resolve the case swiftly.

The rebranded War Department under Trump’s leadership is sparking more questions than clarity. Lawmakers and analysts worry the name change reflects deeper shifts in U.S. foreign and defense policy. While some see it as purely symbolic, others fear it could mark a return to harsher rhetoric on military affairs.

The battle for bragging rights is raging as Americans argue which city deserves the title of fourth-best. While rankings are usually reserved for first place, this quirky contest is generating surprisingly fierce opinions. From food scenes to cultural cachet, each contender’s fans are rallying hard online.

In a dramatic escalation, Russia unleashed its largest drone assault yet, setting a government building ablaze. The strike underscores the growing use of drones as a frontline weapon in the conflict. Analysts warn this could intensify the war’s impact on civilian life and infrastructure.

Israel reported that a Houthi drone from Yemen struck near its southern airport, forcing a temporary halt to flights. The attack highlights how regional conflicts continue to bleed across borders. Officials say security is being reinforced, but travelers face lingering uncertainty.

Skywatchers are in for a cosmic treat as a rare “blood moon” lunar eclipse lights up the skies. The phenomenon will give the moon a striking reddish glow, mesmerizing stargazers worldwide. Experts recommend grabbing a clear view around midnight for the best experience.

A Washington politician is under fire after revelations about a questionable second home arrangement, sparking comparisons to past scandals. Critics say it undermines public trust, while supporters argue it’s a distraction from real policy issues. The case has ignited heated debate across the capital.

Across the Atlantic, Reform UK is riding a wave of political energy as it expands its influence. Supporters say the movement is breathing new life into British politics, though critics remain skeptical. Momentum is building quickly, and many are watching to see if it reshapes the U.K.’s power balance.

A former Caribbean senator has claimed the U.S. military’s role in ousting Maduro was about power, not drugs. The statement has reopened debates over America’s involvement in the region. For many locals, it revives old tensions around sovereignty and intervention.

With inflation skyrocketing to 229%, Venezuela is embracing Binance dollars as a replacement for its battered bolivar. Citizens are turning to crypto as a lifeline against economic collapse. But experts warn the move also exposes the population to volatility and regulatory risks.

Analysts say the U.S. economy may be entering a turning point, with higher-than-expected numbers complicating forecasts. While some see strength, others worry it sets the stage for volatility ahead. With inflation, interest rates, and debt all in play, the stakes are sky-high.

From Latin America to Asia, emerging markets are making big moves into debt markets as investors chase risk-on opportunities. Analysts warn the rush could spell trouble if global conditions sour. For now, optimism reigns—but the gamble is clear.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping call centers, streamlining efficiency and cutting costs. Yet experts caution that certain tasks—like empathy and complex problem-solving—are still better suited for humans. For now, AI is a partner, not a replacement, in customer service.

Powerball fever has struck again, with players in Missouri and Texas splitting a near-record $1.8 billion jackpot. Despite countless near-misses elsewhere, the massive payout has everyone dreaming of sudden riches. The frenzy shows no signs of slowing as tickets keep flying off counters.

OPEC+ has decided to raise oil output starting in October in a bid to reclaim lost market share. The move signals the cartel’s determination to stay dominant amid shifting global energy demands. But analysts say it could stir fresh tensions with Western nations focused on curbing prices.

We all like to talk about big money moves: investing, starting businesses, buying assets, flipping real estate, crypto (if you’re brave). But here’s the quiet truth: most people are losing money before they ever get the chance to grow it.

It’s not the flashy stuff that ruins you. It’s the sneaky little leaks. And unless you plug them, it’s like trying to fill a bucket with holes in the bottom.

So today, let’s talk about the most common money leaks that drain wealth and how to fix them — without living like a monk or cutting out coffee (I’m not here to kill your latte habit ☕).

We live in subscription land. Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, fitness apps, cloud storage, that $9.99 productivity tool you forgot about…

The problem isn’t the cost of one. It’s death by a thousand $9.99 cuts.

👉 Fix it:

I’ve seen people save $1,200+ per year just by cleaning this up. That’s not pocket change — that’s half a Roth IRA contribution.

Ever get a raise… and then wonder why your bank account looks the same six months later? Yeah, that’s lifestyle creep.

It happens when “I deserve it” turns into new cars, bigger houses, and fancier dinners every time income goes up.

👉 Fix it:

This way, you actually feel the raise but still move forward financially.

Your bank might be stealing from you… quietly. How? By paying you 0.01% interest while inflation is eating 3–5% of your money each year.

👉 Fix it:

Same “$10k emergency fund” — but instead of earning $1 in interest, you’re earning $400–$500. That’s the cost of NOT being lazy.

Credit cards can be your best friend (points, perks, protections)… or your worst enemy (interest rates north of 20%).

👉 Fix it:

DoorDash, Uber Eats, $18 salads… convenient, yes. But if you’re doing it 3–4x per week, you’re spending thousands extra per year.

👉 Fix it:

Individually, none of these leaks sound deadly. But together? They could be draining $5k, $10k, or even $20k a year from your life.

And here’s the kicker:
If you invested that $10k per year for 20 years at 8% return… you’re looking at almost half a million dollars.

That’s not just lattes and Netflix. That’s the difference between working until 70 or retiring at 50.

Want a quick action step? Do this tonight:

Then, take the money you just saved and redirect it immediately (invest, pay debt, boost savings). Otherwise, it’ll just vanish somewhere else.

Building wealth isn’t just about playing offense (earning, investing, business). It’s also about defense — making sure the money you do earn sticks around long enough to grow.

Plug the leaks now, and every dollar you save becomes a little soldier working for you. Ignore them, and you’ll keep hustling harder just to stand still.

Your move: bucket with holes, or bucket that overflows?

Why did the investor go broke at the bakery?
Because he kept buying high on the rolls and selling low on the buns! 🥖📉

This company’s original mascot was a creepy claymation hand called “Handy.” Later, it became famous for its slogan: “Can you hear me now?”

In Japan, there’s a hotel run almost entirely by robots — from check-in to room service. Ironically, they had to “fire” some robots because they weren’t efficient enough. 🤖🏨

A farmer must take a wolf, a goat, and a cabbage across a river. His boat can carry only himself and one other item at a time. If left alone, the wolf will eat the goat, and the goat will eat the cabbage. How does he do it?

*Answers at the bottom

Guess the Company - Answer: Verizon 📱

Brain Teaser - Answer: