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 3039: Harry N. Stout explains the two types of 529 Plans, college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans, along with their benefits, potential drawbacks, and flexibility in case of changing circumstances. Understanding these plans can help families make informed financial decisions while balancing college savings with long-term financial se...
Feb 13, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3039
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 3038: Having a traditional emergency fund is essential, but Christina Browning highlights four alternative funds that provide extra financial security in unexpected situations. From keeping a stash of cash for immediate needs to maintaining a backup account at a local bank, she explains why diversifying your emergency funds is just as import...
Feb 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3038
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 3037: Wanderer of Millennial Revolution breaks down how certain workers, like educators, healthcare professionals, and government contractors can contribute to multiple tax-advantaged accounts simultaneously, slashing taxable income by tens of thousands of dollars. Many employees miss out simply because HR departments don’t advertise these o...
Feb 11, 2025•10 min•Ep. 3037
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 3036: Darrow Kirkpatrick explores strategies like the 72(t) Rule, home equity loans, and special tax exemptions, highlighting both their benefits and risks. While taxable accounts offer the most flexibility, understanding these alternatives can provide financial freedom before reaching 59½. Read along with the original article(s) here: https...
Feb 10, 2025•10 min•Ep. 3036
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 3035: Darrow Kirkpatrick explores various strategies, from leveraging taxable investment accounts to taking advantage of Roth contributions and employer-based 401(k) rules. With careful planning, it's possible to generate income while preserving long-term financial security. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretir...
Feb 09, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3035
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 3034: Kalen Bruce breaks down the five ways money is earned, helping parents teach kids financial responsibility. Money comes from work, ideas, investments, generosity, and luck - each playing a role in shaping financial habits. By understanding these sources, children can develop a strong work ethic, creativity, and a sense of stewardship o...
Feb 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 3034
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 3033: Elizabeth from TheBudgetMom.com shares six essential tips for getting started, including assessing your finances, starting with residential properties, and building a strong team of professionals. By staying informed and having a solid strategy, you can navigate the risks and maximize the rewards of property investment. Read along with...
Feb 08, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3033
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 3032: Sierra Black explores how renting can often be the smarter financial choice, especially for items that depreciate quickly or have limited use. By weighing costs, resale value, and usage frequency, you can make informed decisions that maximize value and minimize waste. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslo...
Feb 07, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3032
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 3031: Amanda from WomenWhoMoney.com explores the balance between time and money, highlighting how excessive bargain hunting, couponing, and DIY projects can sometimes have diminishing returns. Instead of focusing on minor savings, prioritizing big wins like reducing housing, transportation, and food costs can lead to greater financial stabil...
Feb 06, 2025•13 min•Ep. 3031
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 3030: Brokers may not always have your best interests at heart, and Jeff Rose exposes the conflicts of interest that can cost you money. From hidden commissions to misleading titles, understanding these industry secrets can help you make smarter investment decisions. Learn how to protect yourself, identify trustworthy advisors, and take cont...
Feb 05, 2025•12 min•Ep. 3030
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 3029: Doc G reflects on how he avoided financial missteps despite never receiving formal financial education. Growing up in a household where his parents modeled financial intelligence through frugality, strategic investing, and entrepreneurship, he absorbed valuable money habits without realizing it. Now, as he raises his own children, he a...
Feb 04, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3029
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 3028: Chris Reining explains how to approach investing with a long-term mindset, recognizing market fluctuations as opportunities rather than distractions. By blending analysis with intuition, successful investors develop a skill that, much like art, takes years to refine. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.co...
Feb 03, 2025•10 min•Ep. 3028
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 3027: Barney of The Escape Artist explores the psychological and financial impact of taking on a large mortgage, highlighting how debt can limit your freedom and choices. With a mix of personal experience and sharp financial insights, he emphasizes the importance of reducing mortgage debt strategically to regain control, build wealth, and ul...
Feb 02, 2025•12 min•Ep. 3027
Leo Babauta of Zen Habits shares how he finally faced his weight and debt problems. Episode 3026: How I Finally Faced My Weight & Debt Problems by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Finding Simplicity Leo Babauta created Zen Habits, which is about finding simplicity and mindfulness in the daily chaos of our lives. It's about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what's important, create something amazing, find happiness. The original post is located here: https://zenhabits.net/ohno Learn more about ...
Feb 02, 2025•13 min•Ep. 3026
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 3025: Joshua Becker challenges this common financial filter, explaining why it’s incomplete and often misleading. Instead, he suggests five better questions to guide spending decisions, helping align purchases with personal goals, motivations, and long-term financial well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becom...
Feb 01, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3025
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 3024: Mr. 1500 explains how index funds like VTSAX make investing even simpler, allowing you to focus on what truly brings you joy while your money works for you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.1500days.com/how-i-hired-the-best-people-in-the-world-to-make-me-rich/ & https://www.1500days.com/ask-the-readers-the-crap...
Jan 31, 2025•12 min•Ep. 3024
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 3023: Early retirement enthusiasts often base their plans on the 4% rule, but Jillian Johnsrud highlights the emotional and psychological challenges this approach can create. By exploring how transitions like leaving work can disrupt the satisfaction of earning and saving, Jillian advocates for a more personalized and flexible approach to fi...
Jan 30, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3023
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 3022: Taking chances might seem risky, but as Kevin of Financial Panther points out, we already make all-in bets on our careers, relationships, and life choices without even realizing it. Rather than fearing the unknown, embracing uncertainty can be freeing especially when most decisions aren’t as life-altering as they seem. By recognizing t...
Jan 29, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3022
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 3021: Understanding your net worth is a powerful tool for financial awareness. Jackie Beck breaks down how to calculate it, why it matters, and how tracking it over time can guide your financial decisions. Whether you're aiming to pay off debt or build wealth, knowing where you stand helps you set meaningful goals and measure progress. Read ...
Jan 28, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3021
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 3020: JL Collins breaks down the key factors in determining your asset allocation, focusing on risk tolerance, flexibility, and financial standing. He explains how these elements shape investment decisions, highlights personal examples, and offers insights into balancing stocks and bonds based on your financial stage. Whether you're in wealt...
Jan 27, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3020
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 3019: JL Collins emphasizes the power of simplicity in investing, advocating for a two-fund strategy using VTSAX (stocks) and VBTLX (bonds) to navigate the wealth acquisition and preservation stages. He explains that while 100% stocks often yield the best returns, adding a small percentage of bonds can smooth volatility. The key to success i...
Jan 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 3019
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 3018: Small habits shape our lives more than we realize, and Steve Chou explains how a single tiny change can set off a chain reaction of lasting success. By shifting just one routine, you can reshape your mindset, build momentum, and create exponential growth over time. Understanding the power of habit formation unlocks your potential for l...
Jan 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 3018
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 3017: Many high-income earners still struggle financially, living paycheck to paycheck due to unchecked spending habits. Christina Browning of OurRichJourney.com highlights key reasons why, from overspending on housing, cars, and gadgets to financing vacations and keeping up appearances. By identifying these pitfalls and shifting toward mind...
Jan 25, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3017
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 3016: Firecracker reflects on her past as a "hater," resisting the hard truths of Larry Smith's TED talk on fear and excuses. Over time, she recognizes that her resistance was rooted in fear of failure, leading her to push past self-doubt and pursue her dreams. Her journey highlights the power of self-awareness, the courage to face discomfor...
Jan 24, 2025•12 min•Ep. 3016
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 3015: Daneika of Learning2Fly.org shares five essential financial habits every powerful woman should cultivate to create financial freedom and stability. From paying yourself first and living below your means to eliminating debt and building an opportunity fund, these habits empower women to take control of their financial future. By masteri...
Jan 23, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3015
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 3014: Reviewing your insurance policies annually can save you money and ensure you have the right coverage. Harry Stout emphasizes the importance of shopping around for auto, home, and renters insurance, maximizing discounts, and considering a personal umbrella liability policy for added protection. Small adjustments like bundling policies, ...
Jan 22, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3014
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 3013: J. Money breaks down Mark Cuban’s no-nonsense approach to getting rich, emphasizing discipline, smart spending, and having cash ready for opportunities. Cuban warns against get-rich-quick schemes, promotes lifelong learning, and challenges conventional retirement savings by prioritizing cash liquidity over long-term stockpiling. J. Mon...
Jan 21, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3013
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 3012: Jen Hayes breaks down five common money habits that could be keeping you broke. From emotional spending to avoiding financial planning, these behaviors can quietly sabotage your financial health. Learn how to spot these habits and replace them with smarter choices to build long-term financial security. Read along with the original arti...
Jan 20, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3012
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 3011: Julien Saunders challenges us to rethink common expenses, from greeting cards to kitchen gadgets, that drain resources unnecessarily. By examining these habits, he highlights the power of questioning societal norms and embracing creative alternatives to better align spending with personal values and financial goals. Read along with the...
Jan 19, 2025•12 min•Ep. 3011
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 3010: Zoe Kim’s insight into minimalism explores how simplifying your life can lead to greater clarity, purpose, and emotional well-being. Through her thoughtful perspective, she demonstrates how owning and wanting less creates space for what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/life-of-minimalis...
Jan 19, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3010
