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 2929:ESI of ESIMoney.com explores the age-old debate of spending less versus earning more for financial success. Both strategies are essential: spending less yields immediate benefits, while earning more increases financial freedom over time. True financial growth comes from maximizing the gap between income and expenses by controlling spending and boosting earnings.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/spending-less-versus-earning-more/Quotes to ponder:“Earning more without controlling spending is a waste.”“The real magic happens when you raise income AND cut expenses.”“Decide what’s important to you and spend on that (in moderation).”Episode references:The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474 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 2928:Dr. Jim Dahle offers practical advice on financial decisions that can lead to wealth-building instead of debt accumulation. By choosing used cars, index funds, and experiences over flashy purchases like new cars, actively managed funds, and expensive homes, Dahle highlights the importance of strategic spending for long-term financial success.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/buy-this-not-that/Quotes to ponder:"Building wealth is about buying assets, not stuff.""The purchases that bring the most happiness are shared experiences with people we care about, not the stuff that fills our houses and garages.""You shouldn't buy a brand-new car until you're a millionaire." 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 2927:Joshua Becker challenges the common pursuit of wealth, arguing that true riches lie beyond financial accumulation. By removing the desire for money, we unlock deeper happiness, security in relationships, and greater fulfillment in life. Becker invites readers to reassess their values, highlighting how generosity, contentment, and purposeful work can replace the relentless drive for wealth.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/richer/Quotes to ponder:"Happiness has been available to us all along once we remove the desire for money.""People who want to get rich fall into a trap that often leads to ruin and regret.""Generosity is more about priorities than it is about income."Episode references:Zig Ziglar's Quote on Money: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/zig_ziglar_125708 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 2926:David Champion reflects on the fear many retirees face as they shift from earning income to relying on savings, particularly in volatile times. He highlights how historical resilience in financial markets, combined with flexibility in spending, can help retirees overcome excessive worry about their portfolios running dry. Champion’s own experience offers reassurance that most financial fears are overblown, even amid global crises.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/put-your-money-fears-in-perspective/Quotes to ponder:"Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe; I have spent most of my life worrying about things that never happened.""The fear of outliving my savings has abated. With five years of data in the rearview mirror, the upshot is that my net worth is 6.3% higher today than it was when I retired.""For many who still work, the only thing standing between them and their dreams is the perceived vulnerability of their nest eggs." 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 2925:Derick Van Ness challenges readers to stop seeking external validation and start trusting their instincts to make bold decisions. He emphasizes that real success comes from carving your own path, rather than conforming to societal expectations, and highlights the opportunity cost of following the status quo, which often leads to missed financial and personal growth opportunities.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.biglifefinancial.com/blog/2018/6/16/stop-asking-for-permission & https://www.biglifefinancial.com/blog/2017/9/4/what-no-financial-advisor-will-ever-tell-youQuotes to ponder:"It's ok to be different. In fact, the world NEEDS you to be different. It's how you create unique value in the world and why people love you!""Choosing your own path truly is the key to success. It's what has created the best parts of your life, so don't be afraid of it.""The opportunity cost of seeking too much external validation from the wrong people is that you end up creating a life that isn’t authentic to you." 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 2924:Jesse Cramer explores how smart financial planning mirrors basketball strategy: take the guaranteed shot instead of chasing risky gains. He explains how narrowing the range of outcomes through careful planning like diversifying investments or giving yourself time leads to financial dependability and peace of mind, avoiding unnecessary risks.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bestinterest.blog/slam-dunk-financial-planning/Quotes to ponder:"There’s a 60% chance I live the exact lifestyle I want to in retirement. But no matter what, all three scenarios are acceptable to me, so there’s a 100% chance I’ll enjoy life throughout my retirement.""Reducing your range of outcomes has many benefits. In this particular basketball scenario, simple math supports it; 99% of 2 points is better than ~40% of 3 points.""Why risk something you have and need for something you don’t have and don’t need?"Episode references:Risk Parity Radio podcast: https://www.riskparityradio.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 2923:Jessica challenges conventional money advice, like the 50/30/20 rule, as ineffective for high-achievers. Instead of following one-size-fits-all budgeting models, she suggests decluttering financial priorities and creating personalized guidelines that align with individual goals and seasons of life. This approach helps achievers build a financial plan that truly supports the life they desire.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nachoaveragefro.com/blog/50-30-20-budgeting-wont-help-you-build-the-life-you-desireQuotes to ponder:"You cannot build the life you want using someone else's rules.""Eliminating overwhelm is always the first step.""Your budget line items will drive your actions and subsequent habits and routines." 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 2922:Nir Eyal explores the power of betting on yourself to change habits, highlighting a study that shows how putting money at risk can significantly boost success rates, particularly in quitting smoking. Despite its effectiveness, this approach remains underused due to fear of failure and the discomfort of risking money. Eyal delves into why people resist such bets and how understanding that resistance can lead to better self-discipline.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/habits-bet/Quotes to ponder:"People who risked $150 of their own money to win a $650 bonus prize were dramatically more likely to quit smoking than those who used traditional smoking cessation methods.""Only 13.7% of the participants assigned to the deposit program chose to enroll in it, whereas 90.0% of those assigned to the reward program chose to enroll.""Behavior change is hard and people will inevitably fail."Episode references:New England Journal of Medicine study on smoking cessation: https://www.nejm.orgNudge: https://www.amazon.com/Nudge-Improving-Decisions-Health-Happiness/dp/014311526X 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 2921:Andy Hill shares practical steps for parting ways with a financial advisor who may not be prioritizing your best interests. He outlines a straightforward, five-step guide to transition to a new advisor or self-directed investing. With insights on selecting an advisor, understanding fees, and minimizing emotional discomfort during the process, this guide empowers listeners to take charge of their financial future.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/how-to-leave-your-investment-broker-in-5-simple-steps/Quotes to ponder:"Try your best to remove emotion from the equation. You may hurt some feelings but this is your retirement we're talking about here!""We didn't feel like we had a partner in our retirement success anymore. He was not performing his fiduciary duty.""Avoid commission-based financial advisors. They can be more interested in selling you products than advising you toward a successful retirement."Episode references:Econome Conference YouTube Channel - "Are FIRE and financial advisors incompatible?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa7vLbUvPoI 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 2920:Feeling financially stuck often comes from living according to external pressures, but Jaime shares how questioning assumptions, experimenting with lifestyle changes, and taking action can lead to financial freedom. By simplifying their lives, selling unused possessions, and reassessing their spending, Jaime and Chris created a path to flexibility, travel, and meaningful work. These practical steps offer a blueprint for anyone wanting to align their money with their values and dreams.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/get-unstuck-financially/Quotes to ponder:"It wasn’t until we became a family of five that we realized we were broken. We had a nice home and a good job but we found ourselves unhappy.""Once we created this vision, a vision that aligned with our own values, we found the strength to question more.""After asking ourselves all those questions we realized that we wanted to simplify our life and make room for our dreams." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices