December 29, 2025

Happy Monday, everyone! ☀️
Good morning — hope you’re starting the day feeling clear, capable, and ready to ease into the final stretch of the year.

Quick question to kick things off: Did you know credit can actually be a tool — not a trap — when it’s used the right way?
Most people only see the danger side, but the real advantage comes from understanding how to use credit strategically without carrying debt.

That’s exactly what today’s post is about: flipping the script and learning what most people get completely wrong.

Let’s end the year a little smarter than we started it.

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Elon Musk

What America Might Look Like With Zero Immigration
A new analysis paints a stark picture of how the U.S. would change if immigration halted entirely. Population growth would slow sharply, shrinking the future workforce and straining programs like Social Security. Economists warn that labor shortages would deepen across key industries. The report underscores how immigration remains tied to America’s long-term economic vitality.

The Unexpected Winner of Rising American Tariffs Is Mexico
As U.S. tariffs reshape global trade, Mexico is capturing business once headed to Asia. Companies are shifting production closer to American consumers to avoid higher import costs. This shift has fueled a surge in Mexican manufacturing activity and cross-border investment. The trend signals how geopolitical tensions are redefining supply chains.

Nigeria Averts Unilateral US Action by Cooperating on Airstrike
Nigeria has agreed to work more closely with the United States following scrutiny over a deadly airstrike. Officials emphasized that cooperation helps prevent unilateral intervention and maintains diplomatic stability. The discussions highlight growing U.S. concern about regional security threats. Nigeria says it intends to strengthen oversight of future military operations.

Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro Has Surgery to Treat Hiccups
Brazil’s former president underwent a procedure to address recurring, persistent hiccups that have troubled him since past medical complications. Physicians say the issue is linked to previous abdominal surgeries. The recovery is expected to be smooth, though doctors plan continued observation. His condition has drawn public attention amid ongoing political tensions.

Argentina’s Senate Hands Javier Milei a Win as It Approves Budget
Argentina’s legislature approved a key budget plan that gives the new administration fresh momentum. Supporters say it reflects a shift toward tighter fiscal controls after years of instability. The vote signals lawmakers’ willingness to back the president’s early economic agenda. Markets will be watching to see if the reforms translate into measurable progress.

Benazir Bhutto and the Moment She Chose
A new profile revisits the pivotal moment when Benazir Bhutto stepped into a leadership role that changed Pakistan’s political trajectory. The reflection explores the pressure, sacrifice, and vision behind her decision. It also delves into how her legacy continues to shape the country’s modern political landscape. The story highlights her enduring influence decades later.

Silver Topped Gold in 2025. It’s Copper’s Turn.
As precious metals rally, silver has outpaced gold this year — but analysts say copper may be next in line. Global demand for electrification continues to soar, putting upward pressure on copper supplies. Traders expect structural shortages to support higher prices into 2026. The shift reflects changing priorities across energy and manufacturing sectors.

Dysart Man Claims $1 Million Lottery Ticket
A small-town resident is celebrating after discovering his ticket hit a $1 million jackpot. He says he originally bought it without much thought, only realizing later how life-changing it was. The unexpected win is prompting plans for debt payoff and long-delayed purchases. Local officials confirmed the prize and congratulated the new winner.

It’s Not Just a COLA: Four Big Social Security Changes Coming in 2026
Major adjustments are set to reshape Social Security benefits in 2026. Beyond routine cost-of-living increases, changes will affect earnings thresholds, tax rules, and benefit calculations. Retirees and workers are being urged to review their long-term financial plans now. The updates could meaningfully impact both monthly payments and retirement timelines.

Most people think credit is either:

Both views are wrong.

High earners, business owners, and investors use credit intentionally, not emotionally. They don’t use it to buy things they can’t afford — they use it to improve cash timing, preserve liquidity, and unlock flexibility.

If you understand how credit actually works, it becomes a tool.
If you don’t, it quietly works against you.

This article explains how to use credit correctly — without accumulating real debt.

Credit is not about spending power.
It’s about timing and optionality.

If you treat credit as “extra money,” you’ll lose.
If you treat credit as a temporary bridge, you gain leverage without risk.

Everything below flows from that idea.

Paying in cash feels safe.
But it can quietly make you financially fragile.

When you pay cash for everything:

Liquidity matters more than net worth in real life.

Credit allows you to:

The goal is not to owe money long-term — it’s to avoid being cash-constrained.

Bad debt:

Temporary credit:

Same credit card.
Completely different outcome.

If you never carry a balance, credit stops being dangerous.

They don’t:

They use cards to:

Example:
You spend $8,000/month.
If you pay cash, money leaves immediately.
If you use a card and pay in full, you gain:

That float is quiet leverage.

People obsess over credit scores.
Lenders obsess over utilization.

Utilization = how much of your available credit you use.

Key rules:

Someone with:

Same spending. Very different risk profile.

This matters for:

Loans are rigid.
Lines of credit are flexible.

A loan:

A line of credit:

Smart people secure credit before they need it.

Once income drops or risk rises, lenders disappear.

Business credit is not personal spending power.
It’s operational oxygen.

Used correctly, it:

Used incorrectly, it:

Rule of thumb:
If credit is funding growth that produces cash → acceptable.
If credit is funding losses → dangerous.

This is the mental shift.

Credit is not for:

Credit is for:

People who understand this sleep better and survive downturns longer.

If you want to use credit properly:

This turns credit into a shield instead of a trap.