December 15, 2025

Happy Monday, everyone! 🌤️
Good morning — I hope you’re easing into the week feeling calm, caffeinated, and maybe even a little ambitious.

Here’s a fun question to start your day:
When was the last time you checked if your money was quietly slipping out the back door?

Most people never notice it — the tiny fees, sneaky charges, and “invisible” costs in their investment accounts that add up over time. It’s like having a small leak in your house… you don’t hear it, but oh, you’ll feel it later.

Today’s post is about catching those leaks before they become expensive surprises.

A few minutes of awareness now can save you years of lost wealth later — and that’s the kind of win we love on a Monday. 💸🔍

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— George Bernard Shaw

US Envoys Arrive in Berlin for Another Round of Ukraine Peace Talks
American officials are in Berlin seeking fresh momentum for stalled negotiations over Ukraine. The discussions aim to reduce tensions ahead of a challenging winter season for both sides. Expectations are cautious, but diplomats hope incremental agreements can reopen larger pathways to peace.

Immigrants Once Avoided Some Regions of America — That’s a Big Reason We’re So Divided
New research shows decades-old migration patterns still shape regional political and cultural divisions today. Communities that once saw limited inflow remain more insular and resistant to demographic change. The findings suggest modern polarization has deep roots in where people historically chose not to settle.

You and Me Against the World: Who Was Behind Trump’s Anti-Europe Foreign Policy?
A closer look at internal dynamics reveals competing advisers pushing dramatically different views on America’s role in Europe. Some pushed for cooperation, while others encouraged distancing longtime allies. The debate continues to influence how the U.S. approaches global partnerships today.

Labour Is Procrastinating Over Policy as UK’s Economy Goes Backwards
Critics argue Labour is slow to outline solutions despite worsening economic indicators. Party leaders say they’re focused on long-term strategy, not rushed promises. Pressure is mounting as voters look for clearer direction heading into the next political cycle.

What About the Children, Madam Speaker?
A new debate has emerged over the future of family-focused programs as lawmakers question funding priorities. Supporters say children’s welfare must remain central to national policy. Opponents argue that other economic concerns require more immediate attention.

2025 in Politics: Reform’s Rise, Labour’s Woes and Trump
Analysts say Reform’s growing influence is reshaping the UK political landscape more quickly than expected. Labour faces internal disagreement as it struggles to define its message. Meanwhile, international reactions to U.S. politics continue to ripple through Europe’s strategic calculations.

Silver Outlook Turns Bullish as Fed Policy Supports Further Price Gains
Silver prices are gaining traction as traders anticipate easier monetary policy. Demand tied to industrial growth is also giving the metal a boost. Analysts say momentum could strengthen if inflation data continues to cool.

Higher Cost, Worse Coverage: Affordable Care Act Enrollees Face Rising Pressures
Millions of households may see premiums rise and benefits shrink as key subsidies approach expiration. Analysts warn the shift could strain budgets and disrupt coverage for vulnerable groups. Lawmakers face renewed debate over how to stabilize long-term affordability.

Gold Price Eyes Breakout as CPI and Payrolls Loom
Gold is edging higher as investors brace for new inflation and labor reports that could shift rate-cut expectations. Traders see a potential breakout if data weakens the dollar further. Volatility is expected to rise heading into the next policy update.

Most investors spend years trying to pick the right stock, ETF, crypto, or real estate deal… while quietly bleeding money every single year from fees they don’t even realize they’re paying.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
You can boost your long-term returns more by removing hidden fees than by picking better investments.

This is a topic almost no one talks about — but it affects employees with 401(k)s, business owners with SEP IRAs, young investors using apps, and even experienced traders.

Let’s break down how to do a real, useful, 20-minute fee audit that can literally put thousands back in your pocket.

Every ETF or mutual fund has a built-in fee.
You don’t see it. It’s deducted from the fund’s performance before you ever see your returns.

Most people never check this.

A 1% drag over 30 years can erase hundreds of thousands of dollars from your retirement account.

If you work with a financial advisor, check what they charge annually.

Typical fees:

What are you getting for that fee?
Is it:

Most people pay advisor-level fees for intern-level service.

Brokerages sometimes charge:

You won’t see these unless you read the fine print — and almost nobody does.

This is especially common in:

Business owners get hit hardest because plan providers know they won’t notice.

If you have mutual funds purchased through a broker, you may be paying:

These are ridiculously outdated and exist mostly to compensate advisors rather than help investors.

Many investors have been paying these fees for years without knowing.

Sure, trades are “free”…
But here are the ways apps still make money:

This can result in slightly worse execution prices.

You pay a little more when you buy and get a little less when you sell.

Why? Because options generate higher hidden fees and spreads.

This doesn't mean you shouldn’t use these apps — but you should understand the cost.

If you buy U.S. stocks from outside the U.S., or if you buy foreign ETFs, you might be paying 1–2% in FX fees without realizing it.

For anyone investing globally, this can be a major cost.

Employees who get paid in one currency but invest in another are most affected.

Here’s a simple walkthrough you can do today:

Open each investment account (401(k), IRA, brokerage, app, robo-advisor).

Write down:

Google each fund’s ticker + the words “expense ratio.”

Compare your funds to low-cost alternatives like:

If a fund is over 0.50% with no clear benefit, switch it.
If an advisor isn't delivering enough value, renegotiate or fire them.
If a platform charges hidden fees, transfer your account.

Removing fees is one of the purest forms of guaranteed ROI in finance.

High earners often think:
“I’m earning plenty — fees don’t matter.”

But fees scale with your success.

A 1% fee on:

Most wealth destruction happens from small percentages compounding quietly in the background.