December 8, 2025

Happy Monday, everyone! ☀️
Good morning — I hope you’re all feeling energized and ready to take on a brand-new week!

Let me ask you something: How many opportunities have you said “yes” to this year… that you knew weren’t actually the right fit? We’ve all been there — great intentions, questionable ROI.

That’s exactly what we’re digging into today.
Because once you learn how to use Opportunity Filters, you stop chasing everything… and start choosing only the things that truly move your life, money, and career forward.

A clearer mind. Better decisions.
More progress with way less effort. 🙌

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

US may end support for Ukraine war effort, says Donald Trump Jr
Growing tensions over U.S. involvement in Ukraine resurfaced after remarks suggesting support could be scaled back. The comments injected uncertainty into Washington’s long-term defense posture as allies watch closely. Analysts warn that even signaling a shift could alter battlefield dynamics and diplomatic leverage.

The U.S. citizens getting caught in Trump’s immigration crackdown
A sweeping enforcement push is reportedly ensnaring not just undocumented migrants but naturalized citizens caught in bureaucratic errors. Families are facing sudden legal battles as officials intensify document reviews. Civil rights groups argue the clampdown is sowing fear and adding pressure to an already strained system.

Superpower Competition: The Missing Chapter in Trump’s Security Strategy
National security circles are debating a gap in the administration’s broader plan to counter rising global rivals. Critics say the current framework lacks a cohesive long-term blueprint for technological and geopolitical competition. Supporters contend the White House is prioritizing agility over rigid doctrine as global tensions escalate.

Chinese jets point radar at Japanese aircraft, Japan says
A tense aerial encounter renewed concerns about rising military friction in the Pacific. Japanese officials say radar-locking signals mark an escalation that could heighten the risk of miscalculation. Regional analysts warn these incidents are becoming more frequent as both nations bolster their defense posture.

Fire at popular nightclub in India’s Goa kills at least 25
A massive blaze tore through a well-known venue, prompting urgent calls for improved safety standards. Authorities say emergency exits were limited, complicating evacuation efforts. The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation on compliance oversight heading into the holiday travel season.

Benin coup attempt to oust President Talon foiled by loyalist troops
A sudden bid to seize power was stopped after loyal forces intervened swiftly in the capital. Officials say the plot involved a small but organized faction seeking to exploit political tensions. The government now faces pressure to address lingering grievances that fueled the unrest.

Zelensky lauds ‘long and substantive’ call with Kushner, Witkoff as peace talks advance
Diplomatic channels saw movement after reports of an extensive discussion touching on ceasefire frameworks and regional guarantees. Ukrainian officials described the tone as constructive, signaling cautious optimism. Still, observers note that any meaningful breakthrough will require major concessions from multiple sides.

Hegseth skirts questions about releasing video of Sept. 2 boat attack
A key figure in an ongoing investigation is under scrutiny after declining to release footage tied to a violent maritime incident. Lawmakers say the footage could clarify conflicting accounts as public interest intensifies. The hesitation is adding to political friction around transparency and national security.

Was Bol Mel a shrewd schemer or a facilitator of kleptocracy?
A newly expanded profile examines the complex rise of a political insider long surrounded by controversy. Supporters portray him as a strategic operator navigating difficult landscapes, while critics argue he enabled systemic corruption. The debate is intensifying as more details surface about his influence networks.

One of the fastest ways to grow your income, business, and investments isn’t doing more.
It’s doing less of the wrong things — and ruthlessly filtering opportunities before they take your time, money, or energy.

Most people don’t fail from lack of opportunities.
They fail from chasing too many low-quality ones.

Opportunity filtering is a skill that top investors, CEOs, and operators use daily. And it’s something anyone — at any level — can apply.

Let’s break it down into something simple, usable, and immediately valuable.

Before you say yes to anything — a job, side hustle, investment, partnership, or business idea — run it through a scorecard.

Your scorecard only needs five criteria:

Can this reasonably increase your long-term income or net worth?
Not someday — but with a path you can actually explain.

Does this take 5 hours a week or 20?
If something doubles your workload but only increases your upside by 5%, it’s a bad deal.

Does it use skills you already have, or does it require years of learning before you see returns?

Does it align with your bigger goals — or is it a shiny distraction?

Is the downside limited while the upside is meaningful?
This is how investors think, and it’s how business builders should think too.

Rate each from 1–5.
If the total score is under 18, it’s probably not worth your time.

Every time you say yes, you’re automatically saying no to something else:

People think yes means “I’m adding an opportunity.”

What it really means is:

“I’m spending my limited time on this instead of something more valuable.”

Start treating “yes” like it costs you something — because it does.

This single question can kill 90% of bad opportunities before they drain you:

If the answer is:

Then it’s not worth pursuing.

Great opportunities create meaningful change, not small improvements.

Most opportunities look exciting because they have noise:

But valuable opportunities show signal:

If it’s loud, emotional, or makes you feel rushed — it’s probably noise.

If it’s quiet, rational, and makes sense on paper — it’s probably signal.

Smart people accumulate commitments without noticing.

A not-doing list helps you kill what drains you, such as:

Once a month, list everything you’re involved with and ask:

“What would happen if I stopped doing this?”

If the answer is "nothing important" — cut it.

This frees time, energy, and money to allocate toward higher-return opportunities.

For career, business, or investment opportunities, ask:

Examples of 5-year compounders:

Examples of 5-year non-compounders:

If you want long-term success, choose things that get more valuable with time, not less.

Filtering eliminates bad choices. Ranking identifies the best ones.

Keep a list of the top opportunities you're considering and update it monthly.

Rank each by:

When you're forced to compare opportunities side-by-side, the right one becomes obvious.

People don’t become wealthy from doing everything.
People become wealthy from doing the right things consistently.

Opportunity filtering protects you from:

A good opportunity filter does the opposite. It helps you:

Most people need more clarity, not more options.

This gives you that clarity.