Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3244: Paula Pant challenges the common obsession with income by shifting the focus to what truly matters: how much of that income is retained and used wisely. Her sharp analysis dismantles superficial financial comparisons and empowers listeners to focus on freedom, flexibility, and building wealth through mindful spending and investing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/how-much-does-she-earn/ Quotes to ponder: "Your income is not your wealth. Your income is not your freedom." "Don’t focus on how much someone earns. Focus on how much they keep." "The true measure of wealth is how long you can live without needing to earn another dollar." Episode references: Early Retirement Extreme: https://earlyretirementextreme.com The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474 Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Mr. Money Mustache: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3243: Laurie Sepulveda unpacks the true cost and often-overlooked fine print of extended warranties, showing how these contracts rarely offer the value consumers expect. Learn when it makes sense to say yes, when to walk away, and how to get peace of mind without overspending. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/extended-warranty-value-worth/ Quotes to ponder: "Service contracts cost extra and are sold separately." "The chance of you needing a costly repair, even on a used car, are slim." "You may still opt-in for service warranties, even when you know, the math may not work out in your favor since you find value in the peace of mind the coverage brings." Episode references: Warranty Week: https://www.warrantyweek.com Federal Trade Commission – Service Contracts: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/extended-warranties-service-contracts National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): https://www.nada.org Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3242: Nia Shanks explains how to stay consistent with fitness even when life gets chaotic by embracing time-crunch workouts that are both effective and efficient. Learn how prioritizing consistency over perfection can lead to long-term results without the guilt of missing long gym sessions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.niashanks.com/time-crunch-workouts/ Quotes to ponder: "Consistency, not perfection, is what produces results that last." "You don’t need to follow a ‘perfect’ training plan to get results, and you certainly don’t need to work out for an hour several times per week." "A 10-minute workout done consistently beats the hell out of an hour-long workout you never do." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3241: Christina Browning challenges the traditional YOLO mindset by exposing its hidden financial pitfalls and showing how it undermines long-term well-being. Instead, she reframes "you only live once" as a compelling reason to pursue financial independence so you can live freely, not just for today, but for the decades ahead. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/yolo-and-the-fire-movement-why-it-doesnt-work-yet Quotes to ponder: "You only live once, and that one time can last close to a century." "The truth is that YOLO is a lifestyle that requires you to work harder and longer just to pay for the poor financial decisions that are born from the YOLO lifestyle." "Short-term desires have long-term consequences - so just say no!!!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3240: Vitaliy Katsenelson explores the frustrating disconnect between stock fundamentals and short-term market behavior, offering reassurance to investors whose portfolios lag despite owning high-quality businesses. Through historical perspective and grounded investment wisdom, he reminds readers why discipline and patience often matter more than immediate performance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://contrarianedge.com/the-market-right-now-doesnt-care-how-fantastic-your-stocks-are/ Quotes to ponder: "The market doesn’t care about your carefully constructed portfolio or how fantastic your stocks are." "The true test of an investor is not how they behave when everything is going up, but how they behave when nothing is working." "Markets are not always rational in the short run, but they are a weighing machine in the long run." Episode references: Benjamin Graham - "The Intelligent Investor": https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Investor-Definitive-Value-Investing/dp/0060555661 Howard Marks Memo - "You Can't Predict. You Can Prepare.": https://www.oaktreecapital.com/insights/memo/you-cant-predict-you-can-prepare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3239: JL Collins unpacks the dangerous dance between deflation and economic depression, exploring why falling prices, often seen as beneficial, can spiral into devastating financial collapse. With clarity and insight, he reveals how deflation affects debt, spending, and investing, offering a sober reminder of its historical consequences and why understanding it is critical for financial resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2012/12/11/stocks-part-xiv-deflation-the-ugly-escort-of-depressions-2/ Quotes to ponder: "Deflation makes debt more expensive. In a deflationary environment, the dollars you use to pay back your debts are worth more than the dollars you borrowed." "When people expect prices to fall, they tend to put off buying. Why buy now when it will be cheaper later?" "Deflation leads to economic depression because it puts the brakes on spending, investing, borrowing, and lending." Episode references: When Money Dies: The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar Germany: https://www.amazon.com/When-Money-Dies-Nightmare-Hyper-Inflation/dp/1586489941 The Great Depression: A Diary: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Depression-Diary-Benjamin-Roth/dp/1586489011 This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly: https://www.amazon.com/This-Time-Different-Centuries-Financial/dp/0691152640 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3238: Kumiko shares practical strategies to build equity in your home, whether you're paying off a mortgage or investing in value-boosting renovations. She emphasizes the importance of financial planning, using tools like sinking funds, and making smart decisions about when to borrow or save, offering a balanced approach to long-term wealth and stability. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/how-to-build-equity-in-your-home/ Quotes to ponder: "Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage." "Landscaping, gardening, painting, or a new outdoor living space are all potentially inexpensive ways to add value to your home." "A sinking fund is a way to set aside some money each month to pay for large expenses." Episode references: Credit Karma: https://www.creditkarma.com Zillow: https://www.zillow.com Redfin: https://www.redfin.com Risk Parity Radio: https://www.riskparityradio.com Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2024/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3237: Philip Taylor lays out creative and practical strategies for meeting credit card minimum spending requirements without overspending or going into debt. From leveraging upcoming big-ticket purchases to paying taxes or funding peer-to-peer loans, these smart techniques help you unlock valuable sign-up bonuses while staying financially responsible. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/ways-to-meet-minimum-spending-requirements/ Quotes to ponder: "Only spend what you intended on spending. Don’t let the fact that you are meeting a spending requirement influence how much you spend." "You can make an annual payment instead, and odds are your insurer will allow you to make the payment using a credit card." "Bring your credit card with you everywhere. Get a second for your spouse. Make sure you use it everywhere and every chance you get." Episode references: Prosper: https://www.prosper.com IRS Credit Card Payment Information: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card Amazon Payments: https://pay.amazon.com RentShare (now part of Avail): https://www.avail.co Official Payments: https://www.officialpayments.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3236: Darrow Kirkpatrick challenges the illusion of a one-size-fits-all retirement by showing how simplifying lifestyle choices like skipping international travel or downsizing housing can lead to financial freedom without millions in the bank. He also dismantles the myth of exact retirement calculations, arguing that personal clarity and flexibility trump the false security of “precise” financial advice. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/3-great-misconceptions-retirement-saving/ Quotes to ponder: "To maximize your freedom, live modestly within your means. And that doesn’t mean doing without: Craft your own, personally-rewarding retirement lifestyle." "A retirement model is a compass, not a map. It can tell you where you’re going, but not if and when you’ll arrive!" "In reality, even the best retirement planning gives you only a hazy view into an uncertain landscape to be traversed over many years, not a detailed itinerary for your journey." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3235: Darrow Kirkpatrick dispels two common myths that can sabotage your retirement planning: that Social Security will cover your needs and that you need millions to retire. With clear data and personal insights, he explains why self-reliance and realistic expectations are key to designing a secure and fulfilling retirement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/3-great-misconceptions-retirement-saving/ Quotes to ponder: "You need to plan on providing mostly for yourself, rather than relying on others, including the government." "Even if full Social Security benefits were preserved, they would likely be unable to cover all of your retirement living expenses." "There is little risk to an advisor in you working 5 or 10 years longer and dying with a few extra million on hand." Episode references: NewRetirement Retirement Planner: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/planner Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3234: Isaac Morehouse reveals how writing every single day sharpened his thinking, boosted creativity, and built confidence without the pressure of perfection. He shows how consistent output, not grand ambition, creates the momentum needed for long-term growth and self-discovery. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://isaacmorehouse.com/2016/02/26/what-i-learned-from-writing-every-day/ Quotes to ponder: "Daily writing kills perfectionism." "Writing every day makes you comfortable putting things out there." "When you publish every single day, you don’t have time to indulge the fear of how people will react." Episode references: Show Your Work!: https://www.amazon.com/Show-Your-Work-Austin-Kleon/dp/076117897X The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3233: Miranda Marquit unpacks the key differences between a HELOC and a second mortgage, helping homeowners make smarter choices when tapping into their home equity. Whether you're funding renovations or consolidating debt, you'll gain clarity on which option offers the flexibility, stability, or risk profile that aligns with your financial goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/should-you-do-a-heloc-or-a-second-mortgage/ Quotes to ponder: "A home equity line of credit is a revolving line of credit that allows you to tap into the equity you’ve built in your property." "If you know exactly how much money you will need, for something like debt consolidation or to contribute to a child’s college education, a lump sum can be helpful." "You are using your ownership in your home as collateral, and you could lose your house if you fall behind in your payments." Episode references: IRS - Home Mortgage Interest Deduction: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p936 Figure: https://www.figure.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3232: Jackie Beck challenges the automatic habit of borrowing by offering five empowering alternatives that help break the debt cycle. From delaying non-essential purchases to creatively earning more and asking the right questions, she encourages listeners to reclaim financial control and reduce stress by spending only what they already have. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/alternatives-to-loans-5-options/ Quotes to ponder: “Many of the things we think we ‘have’ to borrow money for aren’t true ‘must haves’. They’re just things we’d really, REALLY prefer to have or are used to having.” “The way to do things without borrowing money is to have the cash available. Cash flowing things is the biggest alternative to taking out a loan there is.” “Actively seeking out ways to avoid loans (especially payday loans!) can completely change your life.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3231: J. Money shares six unconventional yet powerful ways to supercharge your savings by tweaking everyday habits, like rounding up payments, banking “spavings,” and doing no-spend challenges. These bite-sized strategies not only build wealth steadily but also help reshape your mindset around money, time, and self-discipline. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/6-ways-to-turbocharge-your-savings/ Quotes to ponder: "Whatever your monthly payment is, just round up to the nearest $10th and kill off a little extra debt without even noticing it!" "You might not have paid full price for the item, but you’re still very much spending money vs saving since nothing actually went INTO your savings account!" "The idea is to spend only on the necessities of life for a month, and then resist from spending money on the 'wants.'" Episode references: 75 Hard Challenge: https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info Acorns App: https://www.acorns.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3230: Steve Pavlina reframes passive income not as laziness, but as generosity, delivering value to more people without repeatedly doing the work. By scaling your value delivery, you can earn income multiple times from the same effort, creating freedom and greater impact. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2012/05/you-earn-passive-income-by-being-more-generous/ Quotes to ponder: "With a passive income method, your work product is delivered multiple times, and you get paid multiple times." "A person with a job is just a business owner who sells to only one customer." "Society doesn’t care how hard you work. It doesn’t care how creative you are. It only cares about the value you’re actually getting into people’s hands." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3229: Julien Saunders challenges readers to reassess their loyalty to early financial role models, especially as their financial knowledge and life experiences evolve. He explores how outgrowing your "financial hero" can be a necessary step toward achieving deeper, more personalized success and freedom with money. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/have-you-outgrown-your-financial-hero/ Quotes to ponder: "One of the most valuable but often overlooked parts of growing financially is letting go of the people who helped you get started." "You may not be their target audience anymore, and that’s okay." "They helped you build the muscle, but you have to decide how and when to use it." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474 I Will Teach You To Be Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Teach-You-Be-Rich/dp/1523505745 The Simple Path to Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-financial-independence/dp/1533667926 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3228: Jessica from The Fioneers shares practical strategies to strengthen your salary negotiations, including how to leverage research and non-salary benefits to craft a compelling ask. Her guidance empowers you to advocate confidently, establish long-term professional boundaries, and set the tone for open, value-driven conversations with future employers. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thefioneers.com/negotiate-salary/ Quotes to ponder: "From the data, I could see that you generally pay at around the 75th percentile in the ranges for various roles. That is incredible. I’m excited to work for an organization that invests so much in its talent." "If you negotiate, you will hopefully receive a higher starting salary. That is the expected benefit." "It gives you the reputation right away that you are not a pushover. People will expect you to advocate for what you want and set boundaries." Episode references: Payscale: https://www.payscale.com IRS 990 Forms (via Guidestar): https://www.guidestar.org Salary.com: https://www.salary.com Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3227: Jessica of The Fioneers reveals how job candidates can flip the script and confidently negotiate higher starting salaries by understanding how much leverage they truly have. Drawing on her experience in HR, she explains why companies expect negotiation, how much hiring really costs, and why a well-prepared candidate has more power than they might think. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thefioneers.com/negotiate-salary/ Quotes to ponder: "Negotiating is not pushy. Negotiation is part of the game." "If the company is making you an offer, they want to hire YOU to work there." "The better trade-off is usually to give the candidate more money." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3226: Lisa Aberle offers a thoughtful look at how shifting finances can subtly, or not so subtly, affect your closest relationships. With heartfelt honesty, she unpacks emotions like jealousy and guilt while sharing practical strategies for preserving connection, deepening trust, and navigating tough conversations with grace. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/how-to-navigate-relationships-as-your-finances-change/ Quotes to ponder: "That's what comparison does to people, folks. It helps NO ONE." "If you want to preserve your friendships, keep the lines of communication open." "Be the person you want your friends to be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3225: Amanda Brownlow breaks down how simplifying your finances through a minimalist budget can reduce stress, increase savings, and help you reach your goals faster. With clear steps like defining essential expenses, building an emergency fund, and cutting non-essentials, this approach promotes mindful money management without overwhelming spreadsheets or unrealistic expectations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2020/07/21/minimalist-budget/ Quotes to ponder: "A minimalist budget is simple. Seriously, that’s it." "Part of being a minimalist is wanting fewer things." "You don’t need to stockpile toilet paper to be prepared for an emergency to come your way." Episode references: You Need a Budget: https://www.youneedabudget.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices