3075: One Terrible Piece of Financial Advice You Should Never Ever Listen To by Paula Pant of Afford Anything

Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

15 days ago 11:47

MP3•Episode home

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 3075:

Conventional financial wisdom doesn’t always apply universally. The article challenges common money advice by exploring real-life examples where “bad” financial decisions - like keeping a mortgage instead of paying it off early - led to positive outcomes. By highlighting the importance of context, adaptability, and personal financial goals, it encourages readers to think critically rather than blindly following mainstream advice.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/2013/05/21/bad-financial-advice-but-it-worked-for-me

Quotes to ponder:

"This is why I distrust financial guidelines that assume one-size-fits-all."

"Just because it worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for everyone."

"People have different risk tolerances, personalities, and opportunities."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3894 episodes

3075: One Terrible Piece of Financial Advice You Should Never Ever Listen To by Paula Pant of Afford Anything

2,456 subscribers

published 15 days ago

MP3•Episode home

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 3075:

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/2013/05/21/bad-financial-advice-but-it-worked-for-me

Quotes to ponder:

"This is why I distrust financial guidelines that assume one-size-fits-all."

"Just because it worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for everyone."

"People have different risk tolerances, personalities, and opportunities."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3894 episodes

Tous les épisodes

1
3091: Carfree For Life by A Purple Life 12:13

14 hours ago12:13

12:13

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 3091: A Purple Life reflects on how car ownership once symbolized freedom in traffic-choked Atlanta, only to become a stressful time sink that fueled a lifelong commitment to living carfree. By designing a life around walkability, public transit, and intentional limits, she highlights the financial and mental freedom that can come from rejecting car culture entirely. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurplelife.com/2018/07/24/carfree-for-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Every. Single. Day. This is when I learned I never wanted to own a car or have a car commute again." "It felt like I was staring into the abyss of my commuting future." "I’ll happily substitute owning a car with a mix of public transit, walking and using the sharing economy." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3090: Minimalism in the Real World: A Life without Sidebars by Brian Gardner on Intentional Spending 9:51

14 hours ago9:51

9:51

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 3090: Brian Gardner challenges the busyness and clutter that dominate modern life, inviting readers to embrace a simpler, more intentional existence. By clearing the physical and mental "sidebars" that distract us, he reveals how life becomes more meaningful, spacious, and aligned with what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/life-without-sidebars/ Quotes to ponder: "A life with no sidebars is about making space for what really matters by getting rid of everything that doesn’t." "Busyness isn't a badge of honor, it’s a barrier to connection, creativity, and joy." "Instead of checking off boxes, I want to be present for my life." Episode references: Soulful Simplicity (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Simplicity-Courtney-Carver/dp/0143130684 Be More with Less: https://bemorewithless.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3089: The Long Game Always Wins by Kevin of Financial Panther on Money Goals and Freedom 14:25

1 day ago14:25

14:25

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 3089: Kevin of Financial Panther reminds us that real success, whether in finances, personal growth, or business, comes from playing the long game. With patience, consistency, and a focus on compounding effort over time, even modest daily actions can lead to remarkable outcomes. His reflections encourage listeners to build resources, pursue passion projects with endurance, and reject the myth of overnight success. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://financialpanther.com/the-long-game-always-wins/ Quotes to ponder: "If you give yourself enough time, you can achieve almost anything." "$30 per day might not seem like much money, but 30 years is a long time to do anything." "Spending over 5 years doing anything is as close to a guaranteed recipe for success as you can get in our world." Episode references: The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll: https://www.amazon.com/Bullet-Journal-Method-Meaningful-Productive/dp/0525533338 EconoMe Conference: https://www.economeconference.com Real Vision: https://www.realvision.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3088: This Is How Much You Really Need to Be Financially Independent by Chris Reining on How to Retire Early 10:45

3 days ago10:45

10:45

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 3088: Chris Reining breaks down the mindset and math behind determining how much money you really need to achieve financial independence. By focusing on spending rather than income, he offers a simple yet powerful framework that puts long-term freedom within reach - no matter your current salary. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/how-much Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need to be a millionaire, you just need enough money so you don’t have to work." "Financial independence has nothing to do with how much you earn, and everything to do with how much you spend." "The lower your spending, the less you need to save. That’s the secret." Episode references: Mr. Money Mustache: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3087: [Part 2] Earn Like A Boss Spend Like An Intern by Chris of Keep Thrifty on Money Goals 10:04

4 days ago10:04

10:04

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 3087: Chris from KeepThrifty shares how living like a student during a well-paying internship taught him a powerful lesson: spending should be driven by values, not income. By focusing on tracking expenses, prioritizing long-term goals over short-term indulgences, and finding joy in low-cost experiences, he shows how financial freedom becomes more achievable - no matter how much you earn. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/earn-like-a-boss-spend-like-an-intern/ Quotes to ponder: "Your spending can (and should) be independent of your income." "It’s not deprivation if you’re prioritizing something better." "That which gets measured gets managed." Episode references: The More of Less: https://www.amazon.com/More-Less-Minimalist-Living-Discover/dp/1601427964 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3086: [Part 1] Earn Like A Boss Spend Like An Intern by Chris of Keep Thrifty on Financial Freedom 9:33

5 days ago9:33

9:33

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 3086: Chris of KeepThrifty shares practical, tested strategies for growing your income faster than inflation averaging 8% annually over 15 years by becoming a high-value team member. Learn how to lead with purpose, invest in your own development, support your team, and tackle the tough jobs no one else wants, all of which set you up for financial freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/earn-like-a-boss-spend-like-an-intern/ Quotes to ponder: "Decisions are easier, priorities are clearer, and everyone just seems to work together better." "You need to keep learning and growing." "Improving your team helps your company a lot and you even more." Episode references: Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328 The Obstacle Is the Way: https://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/1591846358 Start with Why: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3085: Emotions of Financial Independence by The Mad Fientist on Mental Health and Early Retirement 11:27

6 days ago11:27

11:27

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 3085: The Mad Fientist explores the unexpected emotional terrain of nearing financial independence, revealing how fear, procrastination, and questions of purpose often surface just as the goal comes within reach. With honesty and introspection, he shares how early action, not early retirement alone, may be the key to building a more meaningful and enjoyable life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.madfientist.com/emotions-of-fi/ Quotes to ponder: "I’ve spent so many years building up my balances so the idea of actually taking money out is a bit frightening." "Has my procrastination been a way of keeping my dreams alive even though, deep down, I realize they are probably not attainable?" "Financial independence isn’t the solution to every problem but it does provide the freedom and flexibility to make changes that improve your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3084: The Thought Process of a Frugal Mind by Chelsea of Smart Money Mamas 11:55

7 days ago11:55

11:55

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 3084: Chelsea of SmartMoneyMamas.com breaks down the intentional decision-making process behind frugal living, showing how thoughtful spending can lead to greater happiness, reduced stress, and financial freedom. Rather than focusing on deprivation, her five-step method encourages creativity, community, and mindful consumption in a world driven by impulse buying. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smartmoneymamas.com/thought-process-frugal-mind/ Quotes to ponder: "Being frugal is about optimizing the balance between cost and happiness." "Your time does have value and the materials to make those things could end up costing more anyway." "When you buy something using the frugal thought process, be confident that you are spending money on something that matters." Episode references: Craigslist: https://craigslist.org Buy Nothing Project: https://buynothingproject.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3083: Why We Paid Off Our Mortgage by Julien Saunders of Rich And Regular 11:05

8 days ago11:05

11:05

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 3083: Julien Saunders shares how he and his wife strategically paid off their mortgage to unlock financial freedom, reduce stress, and gain control over their time. Their journey, driven by teamwork and discipline, reveals how owning a home outright can be a powerful step toward financial independence, especially for those underrepresented in that achievement. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/why-we-paid-off-our-mortgage/ Quotes to ponder: "We didn’t just payoff a mortgage; we bought time." "The primary reason we decided to payoff the mortgage was to create a level of freedom and flexibility that no job could ever provide." "We swung it about 30+ times over a 2 1/2 year period putting every single dollar to work." Episode references: Afford Anything: https://affordanything.com Go Curry Cracker: https://www.gocurrycracker.com Millennial Revolution: https://www.millennial-revolution.com Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3082: How to Win a Negotiation Without Destroying Relationships by Seth Sinclair 11:26

8 days ago11:26

11:26

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 3082: Seth Sinclair shares a powerful framework for negotiating with clarity, confidence, and empathy, helping you reach mutually beneficial outcomes without damaging trust or relationships. By focusing on curiosity, active listening, and honest communication, you'll walk away from difficult conversations feeling respected, and more likely to get what you want. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2016/10/17/how-to-win-a-negotiation-without-destroying-relationships Quotes to ponder: "Curiosity diffuses conflict, lowers defenses, and opens the door to understanding." "Always seek to understand what the other person wants and why they want it." "Compromise isn’t weakness, it’s the recognition that both sides have value." Episode references: Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/1469266822 Never Split the Difference: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805 Getting to Yes: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3081: 10 Ways You Can Have Enough Money and Stuff by Courtney Carver of Be More With Less 11:37

9 days ago11:37

11:37

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 3081: Courtney Carver invites readers to rethink their relationship with money and possessions by focusing on clarity, intention, and contentment. By embracing simplicity, self-awareness, and gratitude, she shares ten mindset shifts that help cultivate a deeper sense of “enough” regardless of financial status. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/10-ways-you-can-have-enough-money-and-stuff/ Quotes to ponder: "Deciding you have enough is what helps you actually feel like you have enough." "Decluttering can be a beautiful bridge to a life with less stuff and more meaning." "When you focus on what really matters to you, you naturally spend less on the things that don’t." Episode references: Becoming Minimalist: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ Tiny House Talk: https://tinyhousetalk.com/ Zen Habits: https://zenhabits.net/ The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3080: The Three Methods of Finance - When Enough is Enough by Jacob Lund Fisker of Early Retirement Extreme 11:07

10 days ago11:07

11:07

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 3080: Saving, borrowing, or investing, Jacob Lund Fisker breaks down the three fundamental approaches to financing your life. By understanding the power of living off interest rather than paying it, you can accelerate financial independence and avoid the "one more year syndrome" that keeps many from retiring even when they’ve reached their goal. Find out how to determine your financial "enough" and pull the trigger on true freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/the-three-methods-of-finance-and-when-enough-is-enough.html Quotes to ponder: "You can pay as you go. You save money and then you spend it. If you don’t have the money, you can’t afford it and if you can’t afford it, you don’t buy it." "Financial independence means not having to finance like the people in class 2 and it usually also implies not having to earn money by working, but let’s not get hung up on words." "There are a lot of stories about people who wanted to squeeze in just one extra bit of work to meet some retirement target. Then when they reach it, they think to themselves, well, if I worked just a little longer, I could buy this and this and that." Episode references: CharityVest: https://charityvest.org EconoMe Conference: https://economeconference.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3079: Why We Sold Our Fancy Car (the Acura NSX) by Mr. 1500 of 1500 Days on Financial Flexibility 11:30

11 days ago11:30

11:30

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 3079: Mr. 1500 reflects on the surprising reality of fulfilling a lifelong dream, owning an Acura NSX, only to realize that the joy of possession fades faster than expected. The mental burden of maintaining an expensive car, combined with a shift toward financial flexibility and simplicity, led to the decision to sell. Letting go brought more peace than regret, reinforcing the idea that true happiness isn’t found in material things. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.1500days.com/why-we-sold-our-fancy-car-the-acura-nsx/ Quotes to ponder: "The pursuit is often more fun than the ownership of it." "In the end, the most important reason is that it just didn’t bring us happiness anymore." "There is beauty in simplicity. An internal combustion engine is a Rube Goldberg machine compared to an electric motor." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3078: Luxury or Essential By Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet on Financial Independence 13:04

12 days ago13:04

13:04

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 3078: Most of us aiming for financial independence don’t live in luxury, but what truly counts as a luxury? Darrow Kirkpatrick challenges the idea that luxuries are inherently bad, arguing instead that they should be evaluated based on their function, personal value, and overall cost. By asking whether an expense is optional, meaningful, and affordable, we can make smarter financial choices, prioritizing what genuinely enriches our lives without falling into the trap of unnecessary spending. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/luxury-or-essential/ Quotes to ponder: "A luxury is 'something inessential, but conducive to pleasure and comfort.'" "The problem is when you develop habits to the point that expensive luxuries become necessities, or you want them in all areas of your life." "When you spend money, you choose consumption today over the lifetime of interest income you’d achieve from investing it instead." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
3077: How Can I Get an 8% Investment Return by ESI of ESIMoney on Long-Term Investing Advice 11:13

13 days ago11:13