Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriam
Optimal Finance Daily, hosted by Diania Merriam, the innovative mind behind the personal finance conference EconoMe, takes you on an enlightening journey through the world of personal finance. Each episode brings to life the most compelling and practical advice from leading financial bloggers and experts. Diania’s engaging narration and insightful commentary transform complex financial concepts into relatable, actionable insights. Whether it’s budgeting, investing, debt management, or money mindfulness, she covers it all, making financial wisdom accessible to everyone.Gain not just knowledge, but also the motivation to apply it in your daily life. It's not just a source of personal finance tips; it’s a daily companion that guides you towards financial independence and savvy money management, all delivered with Diania's trademark enthusiasm and expertise. By focusing on early retirement, financial independence, and saving money, each episode provides you with the tools needed to achieve your financial goals.This podcast is designed for those passionate about personal finance, early retirement, financial independence, and saving money. It’s your go-to source for practical advice on managing your finances, saving money, and working towards early retirement. Each episode offers actionable steps to foster financial independence and secure your financial future.Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
Episodes
Mentioned books
5 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 9min
3381: When It Pays to Spend Money to Save Money by Amanda Brownlow on Intentional Spending
Explore the fascinating idea that spending wisely today can actually save money in the long run. Discover how investing in your health, like gym memberships and quality food, leads to significant savings on medical costs. Learn why insuring yourself against potential disasters is a smart financial move. Amanda shares real-life examples of choosing higher-quality items to avoid frequent replacements. Lastly, she highlights the importance of intentional spending to align your purchases with your financial goals.
20 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 10min
3380: What You Can Learn From Millennials For a Better Financial Future by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement
Millennials are redefining financial stability with a focus on experiences rather than possessions. Downsizing homes and cutting transportation costs are strategies for a more flexible retirement. Regular discussions about money within peer groups foster better financial habits. The importance of seeking meaningful work and adventure enriches life and slows the perception of time. Using technology to connect and plan creates opportunities, aligning retirement with personal values and enjoyment.
Dec 7, 2025 • 10min
3379: Snatch Up Your Long Lost Money by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Tracking Down Lost Assets
Unclaimed property is sitting at a staggering $58 billion, and much of it could easily belong to you! Learn how to track down lost assets, including forgotten paychecks and accounts. Discover the step-by-step process for reclaiming your funds, plus tips on checking for money owed to friends and family. J. Money shares real-life recovery stories, highlighting how easy it is to get started. And don't forget—claims can be made indefinitely, so it's worth looking back! Tune in for laughs and valuable insights!
Dec 7, 2025 • 8min
3378: You Don't Have to Give Up Important Things to Get Important Things Done by Michael Mehlberg
Explore the refreshing idea of a not-to-give-up list that prioritizes joy while achieving goals. Learn why mindfulness trumps forced self-control, especially in stressful times. The concept encourages protecting activities that fuel your happiness rather than cutting them out. Find out how to evaluate the purpose of your tasks and incorporate joyful activities into your schedule. This approach helps maintain balance, avoiding burnout while still being productive.
Dec 6, 2025 • 11min
3377: Money Stress: Why We Use Money to Feel Bad About Ourselves by Dr. Lisa Firestone of Psych Alive
Dr. Lisa Firestone dives into how our early experiences with money shape our current financial stress and self-worth. She explains the impact of the 'critical inner voice' that triggers guilt and anxiety, leading to self-sabotaging financial behaviors. The podcast also touches on how these mental conflicts can strain relationships. Firestone provides practical tools to challenge destructive financial beliefs and transform your money mindset. Learn five actionable tips to gain control over your financial habits and foster healthier attitudes towards money.
4 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 12min
3376: How Do the Wealthy Invest? by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data on Building Wealth Mindfully
This discussion dives into how wealthy individuals invest, revealing that asset allocation is often influenced by access and status. Younger investors are favoring crypto and sustainable options, while traditional paths remain crucial for many. The conversation highlights that while alternatives like private equity can be enticing, they’re typically pursued after wealth accumulation. Ultimately, the focus is on finding a personal investment strategy tailored to individual circumstances, alongside the reminder to prioritize foundational financial practices.
6 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 10min
3375: Should Cash Be Part of Your Emergency Fund? By Honey Smith with Get Rich Slowly on Smart Emergency Planning
Explore the intriguing debate on whether to keep cash in your emergency fund. Uncover the benefits of having physical cash, like peace of mind and protection from garnishment. Weigh the trade-offs, such as losing interest and the risks of theft. Dive into practical advice on how much cash to store and effective hiding methods, from diversion safes to safe deposit boxes. Learn why cash could be a lifesaver during power outages, ensuring you're prepared when digital options fail.
11 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 11min
3374: [Part 2] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto
Explore innovative strategies for retirement withdrawals. A lower 3.3% withdrawal rate enhances sustainability in uncertain markets. Discover the dynamic spending approach that aligns with market performance instead of inflation. Learn about Vanguard's spending limits to improve your financial longevity. Plus, increasing international equity exposure can provide better returns. In today's market, being cautious is key—run your numbers and adjust as needed to secure your financial future!
6 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 10min
3373: [Part 1] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto
Fritz Gilbert challenges the outdated 4% safe withdrawal rule, arguing it doesn’t account for today’s market realities. He raises concerns about relying on historical data, especially given inflated equity valuations and rising interest rates. With stocks and bonds potentially falling together, he emphasizes the risk of inflation pressuring retirement withdrawals. Expect practical modifications that he personally employs to reduce risk in retirement spending, promising a fresh perspective for financial planning.
14 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 11min
3372: Want to Retire Early Abroad? Do These 10 Things First by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey
Thinking of retiring abroad? Start with these ten essential steps! Christina shares invaluable tips from her move to Portugal, including testing local healthcare and connecting with ex-pats to learn about real-life challenges. Get insights on visiting your embassy, understanding local schools for kids, and assessing whether your hobbies will thrive. She emphasizes the importance of experiencing each season and staying in a local home to really grasp everyday life. This guide is a must for anyone dreaming of an international retirement!
