
Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
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...
Latest episodes

Mar 12, 2025 • 12min
3070: Stealth Wealth Fail AND The Wall Of Fear by Doc G of Earn And Invest on Success with Money
Financial success can come with unexpected pitfalls, like isolation from trying to maintain a low profile. The clash between stealth wealth and authentic relationships raises important questions about trust. Fear of loss or success often erects invisible barriers to progress, highlighting the need for courage in financial decisions. Alternatively, navigating the tension between career ambition and personal fulfillment encourages reflection on what truly matters. Ultimately, embracing authenticity may prove more rewarding than hiding behind financial achievements.

Mar 11, 2025 • 11min
3069: How To Budget After Bankruptcy by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog on Frugality
Recovering from bankruptcy can be daunting, but it also offers a fresh start. Practical budgeting techniques, like tracking expenses and cutting unnecessary costs, are key to regaining control. The envelope system and prioritizing savings can build a stable financial future. It’s all about viewing the situation positively, not as a setback, but as a clean slate. Personal responsibility plays a crucial role, especially when overcoming challenges like medical crises. Rebuild wisely and pave the way for lasting financial health!

Mar 10, 2025 • 11min
3068: [Part 2] Why Is Taking Some Financial Risk Important by Vicki Cook & Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money
Taking financial risks can significantly boost long-term wealth. The hosts encourage educating yourself about investments and assessing your risk tolerance. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adjusting strategies to stay aligned with your financial goals. Shifting your mindset from fear to courage in taking risks is vital for growth. A balanced approach to investing can lead to financial security, making it easier to sleep at night while watching your wealth flourish.

Mar 9, 2025 • 12min
3067: [Part 1] Why Is Taking Some Financial Risk Important by Vicki Cook & Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money
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 3067:Vicki Cook & Amy Blacklock emphasize that controlling your finances is key to securing your future, but simply saving money isn’t enough to build long-term wealth. Inflation erodes purchasing power, making it essential to take calculated financial risks for better returns. By understanding risk tolerance, diversifying investments, and aligning strategies with financial goals, even risk-averse individuals can grow their net worth while maintaining financial security.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/why-is-taking-some-financial-risk-important/Quotes to ponder:"While a savings account or CD seems like a low-risk money move, losing buying power over time is still risky.""Putting all your (financial) eggs in one basket isn’t a wise thing to do.""If you can’t risk losing any of your money, you should reconsider your plan to invest."Episode references:Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): https://www.finra.orgU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor.gov: https://www.investor.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 9, 2025 • 10min
3066: First Principles Lifestyle by Colin Wright on Self-Discovery and How to Live Intentionally
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 3066:Colin Wright explores the concept of a first principles lifestyle, applying the philosophical approach of breaking ideas down to their fundamental truths. By questioning societal assumptions and inherited beliefs, he advocates for intentional living based on personal values rather than external expectations. This method encourages deep self-discovery, helping individuals build a life that aligns with their true priorities rather than cultural norms.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/principles-lifestyle/Quotes to ponder:“All men are mortal, Socrates is a man, therefore Socrates is mortal.”“Everything is impossible until it’s achieved, and this way of seeing things encourages shrugging off common knowledge in favor of fundamental assessment.”“A first principles lifestyle is focused on those underlying concerns and ideals and goals.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 12min
3065: Personal Finance and The Long Game by Honey Smith with Get Rich Slowly How to Build Wealth
Personal finance is a game of patience and smart choices. Honey Smith emphasizes the need for sacrifices today to secure a stable tomorrow. By prioritizing retirement savings, emergency funds, and debt repayment, you set a foundation for lasting wealth. The discussion navigates the challenges of making tough financial decisions amid economic fluctuations. Ultimately, it's about balancing desires with practicality and recognizing that you can't achieve everything at once, but with strategy, you can create a financially rewarding future.

7 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 10min
3064: 4 Budgeting Myths You Should Ignore by Kumiko of The Budget Mom
Kumiko, a financial expert and blogger known for The Budget Mom, challenges the prevailing myths about budgeting. She argues that budgeting shouldn't feel restrictive or boring, but rather a fun and empowering tool for financial freedom. Listeners learn that the real struggle lies in understanding spending habits, not complicated math. By reshaping your mindset, budgeting can help prioritize what truly matters, turning it into a guiding plan for your finances, ensuring both needs and desires are met while fostering a secure financial future.

Mar 6, 2025 • 14min
3063: There's Always Going To Be Something by Alacias Enger of My Sense With Cents on Radical Acceptance
Explore the power of radical acceptance as a pathway to personal growth. Embrace challenges instead of resisting them, especially when it comes to financial stress. Shift your mindset towards abundance and foster resilience in the face of life's hurdles. Discover practical strategies for financial alignment that support both personal and business goals. Learn how mental readiness can help navigate uncertainties with grace and creativity.

Mar 5, 2025 • 12min
3062: How to Live Life with No Regrets by FIRECracker of Millennial-Revolution on Financial Independence
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 3062:FIRECracker reflects on a potential health scare and shares the top regrets of the dying, reminding us that wealth, status, and possessions are meaningless if they come at the cost of authentic living. True freedom comes from financial independence, but even more so from the courage to pursue dreams, prioritize relationships, and embrace happiness before it’s too late.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/freedom/live-life-no-regrets/Quotes to ponder:"I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.""I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.""I wish that I had let myself be happier."Episode references: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

20 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 11min
3061: 7 Expenses To Never Put On A Credit Card by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, a financial blogger known for her insights on personal finance, shares critical advice on smart spending. She discusses seven expenses—like furniture, weddings, and vacations—that should never be put on a credit card unless fully repayable immediately. Michelle emphasizes the hidden costs of financing these purchases, highlighting how wedding debt can lead to stress and conflicts. She also advocates for effective strategies to manage medical bills without resorting to credit, encouraging smarter budgeting and financial peace.