036: The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement by Mister Money Mustache of MrMoneyMustache.com

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 3790: Renee Benes reminds us that building a fulfilling life starts with intention, not obligation. Through practical guidance on money management, goal-setting, and self-care, she empowers readers to stop living reactively and start crafting a life that truly feels like their own. Her message is equal parts wake-up call and roadmap for transforming dreams into daily reality. Quotes to ponder: "Create a life you want to live, not a life you have to live." "Whatever you do, don’t make your life harder in order to get to a dream quicker. It never, ever pans out." "Don’t spend 65 years working so hard for a dream that you are burnt out by the time you get there and are no longer able to enjoy it." Episode references: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/0785289089 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Okt 8min

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 3789: Mark Manson reminds us that most of what we label as “major life problems” are simply the natural ups and downs of being human. By accepting ourselves, flaws, discomforts, and all, we find a deeper peace that perfection can never deliver. Growth is endless, but we’re already okay as we are. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markmanson.net/youre-okay Quotes to ponder: “Relax. You’re okay.” “You are already perfect as you are, yet you can always be better.” “We’re all flawed creatures. And that’s OK.” Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Okt 9min

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 3788: Melissa Camara Wilkins challenges the misconception that minimalism is just about aesthetics, revealing how simplifying life leads to more clarity, energy, and meaningful moments. Her insights help us rethink our habits, like chasing trends, overcommitting our schedules, or clinging to clutter, so we can focus on what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/minimalists-dont-do/ Quotes to ponder: "By eliminating the unnecessary, you create more energy for what matters most." "Instead of collecting knick knacks, they collect memories." "Minimalists have this crazy idea that maybe wanting less is better than buying more." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Okt 9min

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 3787: Mike Donghia reflects on how the constant urge to acquire more, whether through impulse buys or social comparison, gradually erodes contentment. By learning to pause before purchasing, appreciate what we already have, and find satisfaction in simplicity, he reminds us that genuine fulfillment comes not from accumulation but from mindfulness and gratitude. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thisevergreenhome.com/desire-for-more/ Quotes to ponder: "Buying more doesn’t usually solve the problem of being more satisfied, organized, or content, but instead leads to more overwhelm of your possessions, more ungratefulness of what you actually have, more debt, and less time to spend on the things that you value most." "I need to live my own life, be content with what I have, and stop desiring what others have." "Everyone lives their own lives, so wanting what others have in hopes that it’ll make my life easier and prettier will likely not satisfy a deeper desire once those items are bought." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Okt 9min

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 3786: Jay and Heather Harrington explore how life’s backward steps often lead to the most meaningful growth. Through honest reflection and gentle wisdom, they show that slowing down, reassessing, and sometimes retreating allows us to realign our values, rediscover purpose, and ultimately move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/sometimes-you-have-to-move-back-in-order-to-move-forward Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes you have to move back in order to move forward." "When we slow down and take stock, we often find that the path ahead becomes clearer." "Growth doesn’t always come from constant motion, it often comes from stillness." Episode references: Man’s Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Okt 10min

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 3785: JD Roth shares how tackling home repairs himself, despite fear and frustration, has saved money and built confidence over time. Through practical lessons learned from leaky toilets and broken fixtures, he shows how patience, curiosity, and calm problem-solving can turn home maintenance into both a financial and personal victory. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/frugality-in-practice-do-it-yourself-home-maintenance/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't panic. A zen-like state is important for repair work." "Home-improvement can be intimidating if you don't have much experience with it. But with time, you can develop the confidence and the basic skills necessary to perform many common household repairs." "Be safe. Some tasks are dangerous. Electricity can kill you. So can a chainsaw." Episode references: Reader’s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: https://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual/dp/0895773783 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Okt 10min

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 3784: Courtney Carver invites us to reclaim our time and peace by becoming "gentle warriors," intentionally rejecting the glorification of busyness in favor of presence, gratitude, and calm. Through simple shifts like silencing notifications, asking better questions, and embracing solitude, she shows how we can trade overwhelm for a more meaningful and spacious life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/manifesto/ Quotes to ponder: "I will work with people who want my best, not my busiest." "Ban the word 'busy' and see what it feels like to talk about your life differently." "The opposite of a busy life isn’t a lazy life, it’s a full life." Episode references: Digital Detox (National Day of Unplugging): https://www.nationaldayofunplugging.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 Okt 9min

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 3783: Courtney Carver invites us to quietly rebel against the chaos of modern life by becoming “gentle warriors” who prioritize presence, health, and heartfelt decisions over constant productivity. Her powerful reflections offer a compassionate roadmap for reclaiming time, energy, and connection in a world obsessed with doing more. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/manifesto/ Quotes to ponder: "Asking for help is a sign of strength. Asking for help builds relationships." "If you can draw the line with your heart, you can take a stand with a smile." "Your no doesn’t need a lengthy explanation or apology." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Okt 9min