Boosting Your Financial IQ

Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including:Blackstone Drills into Data Apple’s $100 Billion Hedge Margins Are the Meal at McDonald’s The Fed’s September Fork in the Road NFL and ESPN: A Streaming Power PlayFinWeekly has the latest updates on market-shaping headlines and business strategy insights: Blackstone is back in acquisition mode, placing a $6.5 billion bet on energy data firm Enverus. It’s not just about M&A — it’s a sign that private equity is eyeing high-margin, insight-driven plays as interest rates fall and dealmaking heats up.Meanwhile, Apple just pledged $100 billion to boost U.S. manufacturing in what looks like a preemptive move against potential iPhone tariffs. From Kentucky glass to Texas semiconductors, Apple is rewiring its supply chain to mitigate risk and reclaim control — and investors are cheering.Over in fast food, McDonald’s stock is climbing, but the real story is in the margins. With flat revenue and shrinking operating leverage, the company is proving that cash flow discipline — not just top-line growth — separates the resilient from the rest.All eyes are on the Fed ahead of its September meeting. With dissent brewing inside the FOMC and the labor market showing signs of weakness, rate cuts may be closer than expected. What happens next could reshape the capital landscape for borrowers, investors, and business owners alike.And in a bold media shake-up, Disney is handing the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN — in exchange for NFL Network, RedZone, and more. It’s not just about content — it’s about ownership, bundling, and strategic alignment as ESPN launches its new $29.99/month streaming platform.Tune in for strategic insight, smart commentary, and the financial context you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.byfiq.combyfiq.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow We’ve been sold a story: save 10% of your paycheck, invest it in the market, and one day you’ll retire rich. But is that really how wealth is built? In this episode, Steve breaks down the math behind that promise—and explains why the numbers don’t add up like you think they do. From compounding myths to misleading online advice about laundromats, rental properties, and passive income, this is a no-filter look at what actually creates real wealth. Steve shares what he’s seen working with business owners behind the scenes—and makes the case for why buying, building, and selling businesses is the most powerful (and overlooked) path to financial freedom. Disclaimer:   BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Netflix and Spotify may look similar on the surface—massive platforms, global audiences, subscription models—but dig into the numbers, and the differences are hard to ignore. In this episode, Steve breaks down both companies’ financials in plain English and reveals why Netflix generates 3X more profit than Spotify despite having a similar number of paying users. From gross margin to free cash flow, and strategy to scale, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these businesses actually operate—and why some strategic choices have a bigger financial payoff than others. If you like real-world company breakdowns that connect strategy with numbers, this one’s for you. Disclaimer:   BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

Mentorship can be a game-changer, but picking the wrong mentor can waste your time. Discover the subtle differences between advice and genuine counsel, and learn how meaningful connections can elevate your journey. Personal anecdotes reveal the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all advice and underscore the importance of respect and integrity. The discussion emphasizes the blend of effective mentorship with essential financial skills, leaving you inspired to rethink how you seek guidance and grow.

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Shark Tank is entertaining—but it’s also one of the best crash courses in real-world finance. This episode breaks down the biggest money mistakes founders make on the show (and in real life), what investors actually care about, and why revenue is not the same as wealth. If you’re building a business, thinking about buying one, or just want to get smarter with money, this one’s packed with takeaways that could save you from costly mistakes. Disclaimer:   BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow In this episode, Steve shares the real reason he left Ernst & Young and why he’d never want to be a partner at an accounting firm. It all started with a conversation that made him question everything, and the lessons he’s learned since might surprise you. If you’re considering the traditional career route or if you’re stuck between the grind and your personal life, this episode is for you. You won’t want to miss this personal story and a perspective shift that could change how you think about success. Disclaimer:   BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Steve pulls back the curtain on the whole "buying boring businesses" trend that’s being pushed by influencers. While the idea of grabbing a laundromat or a small trade business might sound like an easy path to profit, there’s a lot more to the story. Steve explains why the numbers being shared out there are often misleading and what’s really going on behind the scenes when it comes to profits, capital expenditures, and cash flow. By the end, you’ll see why understanding these details is crucial to making smart business decisions—and avoiding costly mistakes. If you're thinking about buying a business, or just curious about what’s really happening in these deals, this episode's for you. Disclaimer:   BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Levers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Ever wondered what makes Starbucks so profitable? In this episode, we take a deep dive into Starbucks' business model and financials. Learn how the company generates billions, what their revenue per store looks like, and how they maintain strong profits. We’ll also compare Starbucks to its competitors like Dunkin' Donuts and Dutch Bros to give you a better understanding of what sets them apart. By the end of this episode, you'll not only know how Starbucks operates but also how the business’s numbers and strategies align. Plus, you'll gain valuable insights on how you can apply these lessons to your own business or investments. Get ready to dive into the real story behind Starbucks’ financial success and how you can think more strategically about your own financials. Disclaimer:  BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

Try out our free tools and calculators: coltivar.com/tools Most people stay broke because they’re playing the wrong game. The typical formula of getting a job, saving, and hoping for the best simply doesn’t work. In this episode, Steve breaks down why 99% of people remain stuck in the time-for-money trap, how financial illiteracy keeps us from wealth, and why the traditional saving mindset is a myth. Learn the three key levers of wealth and a simple roadmap for how to escape the cycle of working for money and start building wealth that works for you. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to shift from being a worker to an owner, and start taking actionable steps towards financial freedom. Get ready for a mindset shift, practical steps, and a call to take charge of your financial future today. Disclaimer: BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information. byfiq.com

Discover how to buy a profitable business without needing a hefty wallet. Learn about innovative strategies like seller financing and SBA loans that make business acquisition accessible. The discussion highlights vital financial metrics to evaluate deals and stresses the importance of cash flow. Avoid common pitfalls that can derail your plans, ensuring a smoother investment journey. With practical tips and valuable resources, you’ll be empowered to take control of your financial future through business ownership.