June 9, 2025

Welcome Back,

Happy Monday, everyone! ☕
Good morning! Here’s to fresh starts, strong coffee, and that weird optimism Mondays sometimes surprise us with.

Let me ask you this: What if you could play it safe and swing big—all at the same time?

That’s the magic behind today’s topic: The Barbell Strategy. It’s how some of the smartest minds manage risk and reward—protecting their downside while keeping the door open to massive wins. Think: one hand holding a shield, the other tossing darts at a jackpot. 🛡🎯

Today we’re unpacking how to apply this idea to your finances (and maybe even your life).

Let’s kick off the week thinking smarter, not just harder.

“Opportunities don't happen. You create them.”
— Chris Grosser

Your greatest asset may not be your ideas — but your ability to execute them consistently.
In the market and in life, vision is nothing without velocity.

— Ryan Rincon, CEO and Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

PRESENTED BY BELAY

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Economic pressure is rising,  and doing more with less has become the new reality. But surviving a downturn isn’t about stretching yourself thinner; it’s about protecting what matters most. 

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Download The Smart Leader’s Recession Survival Guide and discover how to lead smarter through uncertainty →

National

National Guard Deployed in L.A. Following Protests Over Immigration Raids

ICE Enforcement Sparks Civil Unrest and Political Clash

The federal government has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following large-scale protests against ICE raids and immigration enforcement actions. The decision, ordered under a directive from President Trump, has stirred intense political and public backlash.

What’s Happening:

• Escalating Unrest: Protests erupted across downtown L.A. after reports of aggressive ICE detentions, drawing thousands into the streets.

• State vs. Federal Tension: Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the deployment as “political theater,” warning it could escalate tensions rather than restore calm.

Broader Impact:

• Public Trust: Critics say the presence of armed federal forces could deepen mistrust among immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

• Legal and Policy Implications: The confrontation may signal federal-local jurisdiction battles ahead, especially in sanctuary cities.

Finance

U.S. Markets Rise as Jobs Report Reassures Wall Street

Solid Labor Data Spurs Optimism and Tech-Led Rally

U.S. stock markets responded positively to the latest jobs report, with the Nasdaq up 1.2%, the S&P 500 gaining 0.9%, and the Dow Jones advancing 0.7%. Treasury yields also ticked higher as investor confidence rose.

What Drove the Rally:

• Moderate Job Growth: Slower but steady job gains suggest a cooling labor market — without slipping into recession.

• Wage Stability: Average earnings continue to rise at a healthy pace, indicating durable domestic demand.

• Policy Outlook: Optimism is growing around a potential pause in Fed rate cuts, balancing inflation control with sustained growth.

What It Means for Investors:

• Positive Sentiment: Markets are responding to a “just right” scenario — slowing inflation and stable employment.

• Cautious Tailwinds: Continued geopolitical risks and inflation threats mean the Fed may still pivot, requiring ongoing macro vigilance.

Government

White House Reinstates Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Drawing Global Pushback

New Entry Restrictions Spark Protests and Diplomatic Fallout

Starting June 9, the Biden administration (updated per time frame) has reinstated a travel ban on 12 countries, including Iran, Libya, Afghanistan, and Syria, citing national security concerns. The order has triggered widespread criticism from civil rights groups, foreign governments, and business communities.

Scope of the Ban:

• Full Entry Bans: Nationals from 12 countries now face blanket restrictions.

• Partial Restrictions: Seven additional countries face limited access or enhanced vetting.

• Criticism from Iran: Iranian officials condemned the policy as a symbol of U.S. hostility, particularly toward civilian travelers.

Policy Implications:

• Global Mobility Disruption: The policy creates uncertainty for business travelers, students, and families, especially those with dual nationality or pending visas.

• Legal and Political Challenges: Advocacy groups are expected to file lawsuits challenging the constitutionality and humanitarian impact of the ban.

• Diplomatic Tensions: The move adds strain to already fragile relationships with several Middle Eastern and African nations.

Economy

Job Market Slows in May Amid Lingering Tariff Fears

Payroll Growth Eases, Fed Eyes Rate Strategy Heading into Summer

The U.S. labor market added 139,000 jobs in May, reflecting a slowdown from earlier months and falling short of forecasts. Revised data also lowered previous months’ totals, while unemployment held steady at 4.2%.

What’s Driving the Trend:

• Tariff Uncertainty: Ongoing trade tensions are weighing on hiring in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.

• Cautious Hiring: Employers are proceeding conservatively amid mixed signals from global markets.

• Wage Growth Holds: Despite weaker hiring, wages continue to grow at around 3.9%, a sign of a still-tight labor market.

What to Watch:

• Fed Decisions: With inflation moderating, the slower job growth may lead the Fed to delay further rate cuts, watching for sustained slowdowns or rebounds.

• Manufacturing Indicators: Job softness here could hint at broader economic fragility.

Business

VenHub Opens 24/7 AI-Powered Smart Store at LAX

Frictionless Retail Arrives for the Always-On Traveler

VenHub has launched a groundbreaking, AI-powered retail hub at the LAX Metro Transit Center, offering travelers a cashier-less, fully autonomous shopping experience — available 24/7. This launch represents a leap forward in smart retail innovation, using artificial intelligence, computer vision, and contactless payments to create a seamless checkout process.

Game-Changing Features:

• AI & Computer Vision: Tracks customer selections in real time for instant, automatic billing.

• Cashless and Contact-Free: Optimized for speed and hygiene — crucial in transit hubs.

• High-Traffic Optimization: Designed for airports, train stations, hospitals, and corporate campuses where time and efficiency are key.

Why It Matters:

• For Travelers: Eliminates long waits and human interaction, providing convenience at odd hours or during peak congestion.

• For the Industry: Serves as a proof of concept for future smart stores in high-volume, time-sensitive environments.

• For Investors: This model taps into two high-growth markets — AI logistics and urban mobility retail.

PRESENTED BY MONEY

Go beyond homeowners insurance with a home warranty

If you’re a homeowner, you know unexpected expenses are par for the course. One way to help shield your finances is to get a home warranty. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers natural disasters and theft, a home warranty could help safeguard you against costly repairs of eligible essential home appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear. Check out Money’s list of the Best Home Warranties and take the sting out of appliance breakdowns.

VIEW PROVIDERS →

Today’s Snapshot

The Barbell Strategy: How the Smartest People Build Wealth with Maximum Upside and Minimum Risk

In a world that’s increasingly volatile, fast-moving, and unpredictable, how do the wealthy not just survive—but thrive?

They use mental models.

One of the most powerful and practical frameworks for wealth-building in today’s economy is called the Barbell Strategy.

It’s a system used by investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and even complete beginners — to protect their downside while exposing themselves to massive upside.

Let’s break it down in a way your money (and time) will thank you for.

🏋️ What Is the Barbell Strategy?

Originally popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb (author of Antifragile and The Black Swan), the Barbell Strategy is simple but brilliant:

Keep 80–90% of your resources in ultra-safe, stable, low-risk areas.
Use the other 10–20% to pursue high-risk, high-reward opportunities.

Picture a barbell at the gym:

• One heavy, stable weight on the left: Safety, preservation, predictability.

• One heavy, aggressive weight on the right: Asymmetry, growth, opportunity.

• Nothing in the middle: No mediocrity, no overexposure to average outcomes.

In short: Avoid the middle. Embrace both extremes—strategically.

💼 Why It Works So Well (Especially Today)

Most people either:

• Go ultra-safe (savings accounts, job security, “wait and see”), or…

• Go all-in risky (day trading, crypto YOLOs, quitting their job cold turkey)

The Barbell Strategy says: do both, but in the right proportion.

It works because:

• Your safe side keeps you stable during downturns

• Your risky side gives you a shot at real wealth jumps

• You’re never fully exposed to catastrophic failure

• You’re always exposed to unexpected upside

This applies to money, skills, business strategy, and even time.

🧱 Barbell in Action: How to Use It in Real Life

Here’s how to apply the Barbell Strategy across key areas — regardless of where you’re starting from.

1. Investing

• Left Side (Safe):

  • 80–90% in diversified ETFs, dividend stocks, real estate, cash reserves

  • Focus on long-term compounding and capital preservation

• Right Side (Risky):

  • 10–20% in early-stage startups, crypto, private deals, options

  • Look for asymmetric bets — small inputs, big potential returns

✅ Example:
Someone with $100K might keep $85K in index funds and real estate, while placing $15K across high-upside angel investments or a crypto strategy.

2. Career Development

• Left Side (Safe):

  • Core job, primary income, reliable skillset

  • Keep your bills paid and lifestyle sustainable

• Right Side (Risky):

  • Start a side hustle, build a personal brand, create a micro-product

  • Learn a high-value but “risky” skill (e.g., AI, sales, public speaking)

✅ Example:
You stay in your full-time job, but build a niche digital product in your off-hours. One day, that product out-earns your salary.

3. Business Strategy

• Left Side (Safe):

  • Steady client retainers, recurring revenue, proven offers

  • Keep the business healthy and predictable

• Right Side (Risky):

  • Experiment with a new product, media channel, or strategic partnership

  • Test big ideas with clear upside, without risking your core income

✅ Example:
A consulting agency keeps its bread-and-butter contracts while launching a SaaS tool on the side with 10x potential.

4. Time Allocation

• Left Side (Safe):

  • Structured, productive time on known ROI activities

  • Consistency, focus, and deliverables

• Right Side (Risky):

  • Allocate 1–2 hours/week for bold ideas, new markets, or relationship-building

  • Attend events, explore trends, pitch someone you admire

✅ Example:
Block 90% of your calendar for execution. Leave 10% for strategy, wildcards, and risk-taking that might not pay off—yet.

🧠 For Beginners: How to Start with $0 and No Plan

If you’re at the very beginning of your wealth journey, this still works.

• Safe Side:

  • Get a stable income stream (freelancing, job, part-time gig)

  • Build discipline: budgeting, saving, and basic investing

• Risk Side:

  • Try different monetizable skills

  • Start a YouTube channel, offer a micro-service, launch a $10 product

Your “barbell” might be made of time and effort rather than cash — and that’s fine.
The principle still applies.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Going too big, too fast on the risky side

• Neglecting the safe side in pursuit of overnight wins

• Putting everything in the “middle” (i.e., average risk, average reward, no real leverage)

The sweet spot is:

• Stability without stagnation

• Growth without ruin

✅ Your 7-Day Barbell Challenge

Ready to put this into action?

Here’s your simple roadmap:

• Review your portfolio, time, or strategy — identify what’s “safe”

• Choose one small “risk-side” action this week

• Allocate 10–20% of effort or capital toward it

• Track the outcome and repeat

Start small. Stay smart. Let the asymmetric upside do the heavy lifting.

💬 Final Thought: Wealth Loves Asymmetry

The people who thrive over time don’t bet the farm.
They build strong foundations—and place smart bets on top of them.

That’s the power of the Barbell Strategy.
Safety on one side. Opportunity on the other. Nothing in the middle

Now ask yourself:
What barbell can you build today that protects your downside… and multiplies your upside?

PRESENTED BY GENEVA

The Science City You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit

Did you know that the World Wide Web was born in Geneva, Switzerland? Indeed, the first version of the Internet cropped up at CERN in 1989. Today the world-renowned center is home to the largest particle accelerator and to the CERN Science Gateway – a must-see hub for science enthusiasts that features hands-on exhibits, immersive virtual reality experiences, and live demonstrations.

Plan your visit and explore the cutting-edge world of physics and innovation at the CERN Science Gateway! →

Fun Stuff

😂 Funny Joke

What do you call a business with no marketing budget?
A best-kept secret.

🧩 Riddle

I can crush companies or crown kings.
I'm seen in cycles, feared in downturns, and chased in upswings.
Governments fight me. Investors ride me.
What am I?

🏢 Guess the Company

Clue:
This company was born out of a pivot from podcasting software to payments. Its sleek white card reader made it a small business favorite, and its CEO also runs a major social media platform.

🧠 Brain Teaser

A startup's monthly revenue grows by 10% each month.
In January, they made $10,000.
What is their revenue in June?

*Answers at the bottom

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*Promoted

Fun Stuff: Answers

Riddle - Answer: The economy

Guess the Company - Answer: Square (now Block, Inc.)

Brain Teaser - Answer:
Use compound growth:
$10,000 × (1.10)^5 ≈ $16,105.10