December 25, 2025

Happy Thursday, everyone — and Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
Good morning — hope today starts slow, peaceful, and surrounded by good energy (and maybe good food).

Here’s a gentle thought for today: real wealth is clarity. Knowing where you stand, what you own, and what’s working quietly in your favor brings a kind of confidence money alone can’t buy.

That’s what today’s post is about — using a simple personal balance sheet to see your financial life clearly, without stress or complexity.

Enjoy the day, enjoy the moment, and when you’re ready… let’s make your money work just as intentionally as you do.

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Charlie Munger

Market Update: Markets wrapped up the day in the green across nearly every major index, showcasing a steady and confidence-filled session. The Nasdaq ticked up 0.22%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.32%, and the Dow Jones added 0.60%, signaling continued resilience despite recent choppiness.

Bitcoin inched higher by 0.08%, while both Gold and Silver also saw modest gains, rising 0.058% and 0.27% respectively—suggesting a balanced appetite for both risk and safety assets.

On the equity side, Citi posted a solid 1.81% gain on renewed financial-sector optimism, and Costco advanced 2.00% as consumer strength continues to support retail giants. The only notable pullback came from CoreWeave, which slipped 1.73% after its recent hot streak.

Overall, it was a broadly positive day, with most asset classes nudging upward and investors showing refreshed confidence heading into the week.

Economy grows, chip tariff delay, new S&P 500 record and more in Morning Squawk
Fresh data shows the U.S. economy continuing to expand, even as uncertainty around chip tariffs eases some pressure on manufacturers. Markets reacted positively, helping push the S&P 500 to a new high. Investors are watching closely to see whether the momentum can carry into the new year. Early indicators suggest consumer demand is holding steadier than expected.

Affordability is a buzzword right now — these charts show why
Housing, groceries, and transportation costs continue to outpace wage gains, creating a widening affordability gap for many households. New data visualizations highlight how essential expenses have surged relative to income growth. Analysts say this trend is reshaping consumer behavior heading into 2026. Some policymakers are warning that affordability risks could deepen if inflation moderates too slowly.

U.S. economy is headed toward stagflation, followed by reacceleration, economist says
A leading economist warns that slowing growth paired with persistent price pressures could push the U.S. into a short-lived stagflation phase. Despite the grim outlook, the forecast suggests a rebound could follow as rate cuts eventually filter through the economy. Markets remain divided on whether this scenario is likely or overstated. Investors are preparing for volatility as major data releases approach.

Bitcoin Misses Out on Wall Street Cheer to Stall Near $87,000
Bitcoin struggled to regain momentum even as broader markets rallied, keeping prices pinned below the $87,000 mark. Traders say fading liquidity and cautious sentiment are limiting upside potential. Some are watching for catalysts tied to institutional flows. For now, crypto markets remain noticeably disconnected from equity market optimism.

Samson Mow ‘fires’ Wall Street analyst over Bitcoin prediction
A dramatic online exchange unfolded after bold Bitcoin forecasts drew backlash from crypto advocates. The confrontation underscored the deep divide between traditional analysts and digital-asset believers. Market observers note that sentiment remains volatile as traders debate the next big move. The episode reflects growing tension around long-term valuation expectations.

Saylor’s USD Reserve Hits $2 Billion as Strategy Fortifies Against Bitcoin Winter
A major crypto treasury has significantly expanded its cash reserves, aiming to weather potential downturns and prepare for strategic buying opportunities. The move signals confidence in long-term Bitcoin accumulation despite short-term uncertainty. Analysts say such positioning could influence market stability during future drawdowns. It also highlights how institutional players are adapting to a maturing asset class.

Steam and Valve’s online games are down
Gamers worldwide reported outages affecting major online titles, sparking widespread frustration during peak usage hours. Early indications point to server issues rather than security threats. Valve acknowledged the disruption and is working to restore full functionality. The downtime comes during a busy holiday gaming period, amplifying user impact.

Santa Clarita resident and ‘Call of Duty’ creator Vince Zampella dies in crash
A prominent figure in the gaming industry has died following a vehicle collision, leaving fans and colleagues shocked. Zampella was known for shaping blockbuster franchises and influencing modern game design. Tributes poured in from across the gaming world as news spread. His legacy is expected to remain a defining force in the industry.

The Best PC Games Of 2025 According To Metacritic
A new ranking highlights the top-performing PC titles of the year, showcasing a mix of indie standouts and major studio releases. Critics praised innovations in storytelling, graphics, and gameplay depth. The list reflects shifting trends as players gravitate toward immersive single-player experiences. Developers are already taking cues from these successes as next year’s releases take shape.

Most people know what a balance sheet is for a business.

Very few people ever build one for themselves — even people making strong money, running companies, or investing regularly.

That’s a mistake.

A personal balance sheet gives you something budgeting, investing tips, and income goals never will:

A clear picture of where you actually stand financially — right now — and what moves will matter most next.

Not in theory.
Not in the future.
Right now.

Let’s walk through how to build one, how to read it, and how to use it to make better financial decisions.

A personal balance sheet is just a snapshot of:

That’s it.

Formula:
Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth

But the power isn’t the number — it’s how you break it down.

Assets are things you own that have monetary value.

Common categories:

Important rule:
Use conservative values.
If you had to sell it in 30 days, what would you actually get?

This keeps the balance sheet useful instead of ego-driven.

Liabilities are anything you owe.

Typical ones:

Again — be precise.

Seeing liabilities clearly often changes behavior faster than any motivational advice ever could.

This is where most people never go — and where the real insight comes from.

Examples:

This doesn’t mean non-productive assets are bad.
It just means they shouldn’t be confused with growth tools.

Split liabilities into two groups:

This distinction instantly tells you where to focus your effort.

Once it’s built, ask these questions:

Most people discover they’re:

This clarity is invaluable.

The balance sheet becomes a decision filter.

Before any big move, ask:

Examples:

The answer is usually obvious once the numbers are visible.

This is not a daily or monthly exercise.

Twice a year is ideal:

Track:

You’re looking for direction, not perfection.