
3413: Beware the Frivolous Purchase Threshold by Chris of Keep Thrifty on Controlling Impulse Spending
2026/1/06 | 8 mins.
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 3413: Chris unpacks the hidden psychology behind everyday spending and reveals how the “Frivolous Purchase Threshold” tricks us into justifying impulse buys. With practical, mindset-shifting tips, this piece empowers you to realign spending with your goals and escape the trap of low-cost, low-value clutter. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/frivolous-purchase-threshold/ Quotes to ponder: "Rather than wasting your money on frivolous purchases, redefine your FPT to $0 and put your money where your heart is." "Whatever number you use in that statement, whether it’s $10, $20, or $20, is your own, personal frivolous purchase threshold." "Putting small barriers in the way helps us leverage our laziness to prevent unnecessary purchases." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3412: Older and Don’t Have a Retirement Plan? Do This by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey on Future Savings
2026/1/05 | 11 mins.
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 3412: Christina Browning offers a realistic yet hopeful roadmap for those in their 40s, 50s, or 60s who haven’t started saving for retirement. By focusing on smart budgeting, strategic investing, income awareness, and practical lifestyle changes, she shows how late starters can still build financial security and achieve retirement peace of mind. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/older-and-dont-have-a-retirement-plan-do-this Quotes to ponder: "You can’t borrow or get a loan for your retirement, but your children can for their education." "When you’re dealing with retirement accounts when you’re older, age is actually an advantage for you." "Remain hopeful about your situation because financial independence is possible even when you’re starting late!" Episode references: Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3411: Are Home Warranties Worth It? by Mike Ballew of EggStack on Evaluating Home Coverage
2026/1/04 | 9 mins.
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 3411: Mike Ballew explains why home warranties are often a poor financial decision, describing them as overpriced plans for predictable expenses rather than true insurance. He makes a compelling case for self-insurance, urging homeowners to save strategically instead of relying on warranty companies that rarely deliver full value. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://eggstack.com/blog/2020-03-08-Are-Home-Warranties-Worth-It/ Quotes to ponder: "Home warranties are forced savings for people who don’t have the self-discipline to save." "Insurance performs well when the risk is low and the potential damages are high." "You don’t need to insure against things that are totally predictable." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3410: In a Workout Slump!? Here are Some Great Tips to Get Motivated Again! by Chalene Johnson on Boosting Motivation
2026/1/04 | 8 mins.
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 3410: Struggling to get back into a fitness routine? Chalene shares simple, realistic tips to break through workout slumps, like using alarms, pump-up playlists, and the “five-minute” rule, to rebuild momentum and motivation. These powerful strategies don’t just apply to exercise, but can kickstart productivity and focus in all areas of your life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/in-a-workout-slump-here-are-some-great-tips-to-get-motivated-again/ Quotes to ponder: "By promising yourself only five minutes you get through the toughest part and may have an even more successful workout than usual." "A workout can be a great way to boost motivation in other areas of your life." "After a couple of songs I’m feeling more motivated and excited about the workout and the blahs I had before are gone." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3409: How We Began to Slash Our Budget by Amanda Brownlow of Hello Brownlow on Managing Family Expenses
2026/1/03 | 10 mins.
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 3409: Amanda Brownlow shares the practical and personal journey she and her husband took to slash nearly $1,000 from their monthly spending, despite starting off with no budgeting experience. By swapping luxury for value, like ditching cable, using cash envelopes, and mastering couponing, they transformed their finances with sustainable habits anyone can replicate. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2016/03/20/how-we-began-to-slash-our-budget/ Quotes to ponder: "Cash is tangible and it’s harder for me to let go of than running my magic swipey card through the register." "The process is hard at first, but when you get the hang of looking at your entire paycheck down to the very last cent, you get to see exactly where all your money goes." "I started to shop less and less for things that I didn’t really need like that new eye shadow pallet or a new pair of shoes that I won’t even wear." Episode references: The Total Money Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/0785289089 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices



Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice