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- How To Keep & Grow Your Money #20
How To Keep & Grow Your Money #20
1 investing tip, 1 tax tip, 1 money lesson & some jokes
Gooooood day investors! This is the Sean Kan Letter where I help you Keep & Grow Your Money, in your inbox, every Monday.
In this letter:
✨ A useful thing: Making Your Home Smart
🚀 Grow your money: iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Deep Dive
💰 Keep your money: Malta’s Citizenship Explained
🤓 Understand your money: Margin Call Explained (Important for people who trade)
But before that, let’s hear from our incredibly real & featured celebrity of the week😎:

Disclaimer, Barrack Obama is not a certified financial advisor.
Now let’s get to it.

This Smart Home Company Hit $10 Million in Revenue—and It’s Just the Beginning
No, it’s not Ring or Nest—it’s RYSE, the company redefining smart home innovation, and you can invest for just $1.75 per share.
RYSE’s patented SmartShades are transforming how people control their window shades—offering seamless automation without costly replacements. With 10 fully granted patents and a pivotal Amazon court judgment safeguarding their technology, RYSE has established itself as a market leader in an industry projected to grow 23% annually.
This year, RYSE surpassed $10 million in total revenue, expanded to 127 Best Buy locations, and experienced explosive 200% month-over-month growth. With partnerships in progress with major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, they’re set for even bigger milestones, including international expansion and new product launches.
This is your last chance to invest at the current share price before their next stage of growth drives even greater demand.
This section can contain product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

In this letter, we analyze the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA).
Ticker: IEFA | Price: $73.51 | Market Cap: $121.5B | Average 10-Year Annual Return: 6.0% (as of October 2024)
What is it (short): The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF offers exposure to large- and mid-cap stocks in developed markets outside North America, including Europe, Australasia, and the Far East.
What is it (long): This ETF tracks the MSCI EAFE Index, providing access to a diversified basket of international stocks from over 20 developed countries. It focuses on established markets such as Japan, Germany, and the UK, across various industries like financials, consumer goods, and healthcare. As a low-cost, passively managed fund, IEFA is ideal for long-term investors looking to diversify their portfolios internationally. Its performance is influenced by global economic trends, exchange rates, and regional market conditions.
Our thoughts: IEFA is a solid choice for investors aiming to diversify their holdings with international exposure. It’s well-suited for those seeking to balance U.S.-centric portfolios while benefiting from growth opportunities in developed foreign markets. However, be mindful of currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks that can impact performance.
Do your own research and if you would like to take our free course to learn how to invest into ETFs and Index Funds at Index Institution™ go here.

Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalization Program (MEIN): A Gold Standard Path to Citizenship
What Is MEIN?
Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program offers high-net-worth individuals a pathway to citizenship in an EU country with access to 27 member states, plus residence opportunities in tax-friendly places like Cyprus or Switzerland.
Key Features:
Rigorous Vetting: Four layers of due diligence with a 26% rejection rate ensure integrity.
Valuable Passport: Enables visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries and the right to live and work in the EU.
Not a Shortcut: The program is neither fast nor cheap—it’s tailored for serious investors.
Current Challenges and Why It Matters Now
The program faces scrutiny from the EU, with a critical court ruling expected in December. Past changes have included higher costs and stricter requirements, suggesting potential further restrictions.
Who Is It For?
MEIN suits seven- or eight-figure entrepreneurs who value security, freedom, and tangible options. It’s an investment for those committed to long-term benefits, not quick solutions.
Our Take:
If you’ve been considering applying, now might be your last chance to act before potential program changes. With its strong reputation and benefits, MEIN remains one of the most robust citizenship programs globally.
If you would like to explore legally paying less taxes and maximizing your freedom check out Global Optimizer™ or click here.

Financial concept to learn in this edition: Margin
What is a Margin Call and Why Is It Important for Investing?
Definition:
A margin call occurs when your broker demands additional funds or securities because the value of your margin account has fallen below the required maintenance margin. This happens when borrowed money (leverage) is used for investing, and the market value of your investments declines significantly.
How It Works:
When you invest on margin, you’re borrowing money from your broker to buy more securities than you could with your cash alone. A maintenance margin is the minimum account value you must maintain. If your account’s equity falls below this level due to market losses, a margin call is issued, requiring you to deposit more funds or sell assets to meet the margin requirement.
Why Investors Use Margin:
Margin investing allows you to amplify potential returns by leveraging borrowed funds. However, this also increases your exposure to risk. While gains can multiply, losses can quickly wipe out your equity and trigger a margin call.
Key Considerations:
Risk of Liquidation:
If you fail to meet a margin call, your broker can sell your securities without your consent, potentially locking in losses.Volatility Sensitivity:
Margin accounts are highly sensitive to market volatility. Sharp price drops can trigger unexpected margin calls.Costs of Borrowing:
Interest rates on margin loans add to your investment costs and reduce net returns.Diversification and Caution:
Margin investing is best suited for experienced investors. Proper diversification and risk management are crucial to avoid catastrophic losses.
Why It Matters:
Understanding margin calls is vital for any investor using leverage. They highlight the risks of borrowing to invest and the importance of maintaining sufficient funds to weather market fluctuations. While margin can boost gains, its risks can lead to significant financial strain if not managed carefully.
That’s it from me, see you in the next one🤜🤛,
-Sean Kan