December 28, 2025

Welcome Back,
Happy Sunday, everyone! ☀️
Good morning — hope today starts slow, steady, and exactly how you need it to.
Quick thought for the day: money timing matters just as much as money itself.
Getting paid later can quietly squeeze your cash, your credit, and even your options — even when the numbers look good on paper.
That’s what we’re unpacking today: how simple things like payment terms (Net 30, Net 60, Net 90) quietly shape your financial flexibility behind the scenes.
Small details. Big impact.
— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
Quote of The Day
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.”
— Simone Weil
Finance

Tax Refund Expectations Rise as Officials Signal Larger Payouts in 2026
Officials say Americans could see significantly larger tax refunds in 2026 due to adjustments tied to recent fiscal policy changes. The anticipated boost is drawing early attention from taxpayers planning ahead. While exact amounts aren’t finalized, expectations are building for some of the biggest refund increases in years. Analysts note that the shift could influence consumer spending next spring.
Expiring ACA Subsidies Trigger Concerns Over Rising Insurance Costs
Mississippi residents are bracing for higher premiums as key ACA subsidies approach expiration. The potential rollback is prompting worries about affordability for thousands of families. State advocates warn that without renewed support, coverage gaps could widen quickly. Health policy watchers expect a heated debate as deadlines near.
Bilt Card 2.0 Update Brings Major Feature Changes and New Timelines
A refreshed version of the Bilt Card is rolling out with updated perks and a revised implementation schedule. Users can expect expanded earning opportunities and adjusted reward structures. The changes aim to modernize the program as competition intensifies in the rewards-card space. Early feedback highlights anticipation for more flexible benefits.
Crypto

Short-Term Bitcoin Holders Face Extended Pressure as Key Metrics Stay Red
Bitcoin remains under strain as short-term holding data suggests continued weakness in trader sentiment. Analysts point to persistent selling pressure and reduced risk appetite across the market. Despite long-term optimism from some, near-term volatility remains elevated. Markets will be watching closely for signs of a reversal.
XRP Criticized as ‘Zombie Asset’ Despite Signs of Growth
A new analysis challenges XRP’s long-term viability even as the token posts modest adoption gains. The critique argues that structural issues still overshadow recent progress. Supporters push back, noting steady on-chain activity. The debate highlights the widening divide between skeptics and believers in the asset’s future.
Bitcoin Stalls as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs
Bitcoin’s holiday-season momentum faded as gold and silver surged to new highs. Traders say capital is rotating toward safer assets amid macro uncertainty. The shift has temporarily cooled enthusiasm for a year-end crypto rebound. Still, some investors view the pause as a setup for renewed activity in early January.
Travel

Snowstorm Forces Hundreds of Flight Cancellations Across New York
A powerful winter storm grounded hundreds of flights across the New York region, disrupting holiday travel plans. Airlines scrambled to rebook passengers as conditions worsened. Travelers reported long delays and crowded terminals throughout the day. Authorities warn that additional cancellations remain possible as snow continues.
Weather Delays and Security Concerns Disrupt SFO Holiday Travel
Severe weather combined with a suspicious-package investigation triggered major delays at San Francisco International Airport. Flights were held or diverted as authorities conducted precautionary checks. The disruptions added strain to an already packed travel weekend. Operations gradually resumed, though residual delays persisted into the evening.
Highway Reopens in Stages After Storm-Driven Closures in Washington State
A key Washington highway is partially reopening after heavy snow and hazardous conditions forced extended closures. Crews spent hours clearing debris and restoring safe passage through mountain areas. Travelers are advised to expect slower movement as repair work continues. Full access is expected once conditions stabilize.
Today’s Snapshot
Understanding Payment Terms (Net 30, Net 60, Net 90) and How They Quietly Affect Your Cash, Credit, and Leverage
Most people think payment terms are “just business details.”
They’re not.
Payment terms quietly control:
how much cash you keep
how much risk you carry
how flexible your finances are
how powerful your negotiating position becomes
And here’s the kicker:
Employees, business owners, and investors are affected by payment terms—even if they’ve never issued an invoice in their life.
Let’s walk through this clearly and practically.
What Payment Terms Actually Are (In Plain English)
Payment terms define when money actually moves, not when a deal is agreed to.
Common examples:
Net 30 → Payment due 30 days after invoice
Net 60 → Payment due 60 days after invoice
Net 90 → Payment due 90 days after invoice
Due on receipt → Paid immediately
2/10 Net 30 → 2% discount if paid within 10 days, otherwise due in 30
These terms exist in:
consulting contracts
freelance work
vendor agreements
supplier relationships
enterprise jobs
government contracts
real estate transactions
B2B services
They determine who floats who.
Why Payment Terms Matter More Than Price
Two people can earn the same amount of money and have completely different financial stress levels — purely because of payment timing.
Example:
Person A earns $10,000/month, paid immediately
Person B earns $10,000/month, paid Net 60
Person B is always operating two months behind reality.
They’re covering:
rent
payroll
expenses
taxes
with money they technically “earned” but don’t yet have.
This creates artificial pressure that people mistake for “not earning enough.”
How Payment Terms Affect Employees (Yes, Employees Too)
Even if you’re salaried, payment timing still impacts you.
Examples:
bonuses paid quarterly vs monthly
commissions paid Net 30–90 after close
reimbursements delayed
equity vesting schedules
severance paid in installments
Two job offers with the same compensation can have very different cash realities.
If you’ve ever felt “well paid but still cash-tight,” timing is often the reason.
Why Businesses Love Long Payment Terms (and You Should Be Careful)
Companies push long payment terms because it improves their cash position.
From their perspective:
Net 60 = interest-free loan
Net 90 = stronger balance sheet
Delayed payment = lower risk
From your perspective:
You finance their operations
You carry the risk
You absorb inflation
You float their growth
Large companies do this intentionally.
Small operators often accept it without realizing the cost.
The Hidden Cost of Long Payment Terms
Long payment terms quietly cause:
reliance on credit cards
unnecessary debt
stress and uncertainty
delayed investing
underfunded tax reserves
missed opportunities
If you ever think:
“I’m profitable but always feel behind”
There’s a good chance payment timing is the culprit.
How to Decide If Net Terms Are Worth It
Ask yourself three very specific questions:
Can I comfortably cover expenses during the delay?
Is this relationship high-value or replaceable?
Am I being compensated for the delay (price, volume, stability)?
If the answer to all three isn’t yes, the terms are working against you.
Simple Ways to Improve Payment Terms Without Burning Bridges
You don’t need aggressive tactics. Small changes work.
Examples that work in real life:
Request partial upfront payment (even 20–30%)
Shorten terms for early-stage relationships
Offer a small discount for faster payment
Invoice immediately, not at month-end
Add late fees (even if rarely enforced)
Set automatic follow-ups
Most people never ask — and most companies expect negotiation.
Why This Is a Wealth-Building Skill (Not Just a Business Skill)
Understanding payment timing improves:
cash flow stability
investment consistency
debt avoidance
stress levels
decision quality
financial resilience
People who master timing:
invest earlier
avoid panic decisions
compound faster
operate with margin
This is one of those skills that doesn’t sound exciting — but quietly separates people who struggle from people who feel financially in control.
The Takeaway
Money isn’t just about how much you earn.
It’s about when you receive it, who floats whom, and how long you operate without access to what you’ve already earned.
Payment terms are leverage.
Timing is power.
Cash flow clarity is freedom.
Most people never learn this.
Now you have it.
Thought Of The Day
True leverage comes from protecting attention, eliminating distraction, and directing consistent effort toward work that compounds skill, trust, and long-term independence.
That’s All For Today
I hope you enjoyed today’s issue of The Wealth Wagon. If you have any questions regarding today’s issue or future issues feel free to reply to this email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Come back tomorrow for another market update, and snapshot. I hope to see you. 🤙
— Ryan Rincon, CEO and Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.

