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
Jul 28, 2025 • 9min
3228: [Part 2] 4 Strategies to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary by Jessica of The Fioneers on Money Conversations
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 3228:
Jessica from The Fioneers shares practical strategies to strengthen your salary negotiations, including how to leverage research and non-salary benefits to craft a compelling ask. Her guidance empowers you to advocate confidently, establish long-term professional boundaries, and set the tone for open, value-driven conversations with future employers.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thefioneers.com/negotiate-salary/
Quotes to ponder:
"From the data, I could see that you generally pay at around the 75th percentile in the ranges for various roles. That is incredible. I’m excited to work for an organization that invests so much in its talent."
"If you negotiate, you will hopefully receive a higher starting salary. That is the expected benefit."
"It gives you the reputation right away that you are not a pushover. People will expect you to advocate for what you want and set boundaries."
Episode references:
Payscale: https://www.payscale.com
IRS 990 Forms (via Guidestar): https://www.guidestar.org
Salary.com: https://www.salary.com
Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 27, 2025 • 12min
3227: [Part 1] 4 Strategies to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary by Jessica of The Fioneers on How to Increase Income
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 3227:
Jessica of The Fioneers reveals how job candidates can flip the script and confidently negotiate higher starting salaries by understanding how much leverage they truly have. Drawing on her experience in HR, she explains why companies expect negotiation, how much hiring really costs, and why a well-prepared candidate has more power than they might think.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thefioneers.com/negotiate-salary/
Quotes to ponder:
"Negotiating is not pushy. Negotiation is part of the game."
"If the company is making you an offer, they want to hire YOU to work there."
"The better trade-off is usually to give the candidate more money." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 27, 2025 • 10min
3226: How to Navigate Relationships as Your Finances Change by Lisa Aberle with Get Rich Slowly on Money Priorities
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 3226:
Lisa Aberle offers a thoughtful look at how shifting finances can subtly, or not so subtly, affect your closest relationships. With heartfelt honesty, she unpacks emotions like jealousy and guilt while sharing practical strategies for preserving connection, deepening trust, and navigating tough conversations with grace.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/how-to-navigate-relationships-as-your-finances-change/
Quotes to ponder:
"That's what comparison does to people, folks. It helps NO ONE."
"If you want to preserve your friendships, keep the lines of communication open."
"Be the person you want your friends to be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 26, 2025 • 10min
3225: How to Create a Minimalist Budget by Amanda Brownlow on Reducing Money Stress and Intentional Living
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 3225:
Amanda Brownlow breaks down how simplifying your finances through a minimalist budget can reduce stress, increase savings, and help you reach your goals faster. With clear steps like defining essential expenses, building an emergency fund, and cutting non-essentials, this approach promotes mindful money management without overwhelming spreadsheets or unrealistic expectations.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2020/07/21/minimalist-budget/
Quotes to ponder:
"A minimalist budget is simple. Seriously, that’s it."
"Part of being a minimalist is wanting fewer things."
"You don’t need to stockpile toilet paper to be prepared for an emergency to come your way."
Episode references:
You Need a Budget: https://www.youneedabudget.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 25, 2025 • 11min
3224: Why Get Life Insurance If You're Financially Independent by Financial Samurai on Being Self-Insured and Financial Protection
Sam, a writer at FinancialSamurai.com, challenges the notion that financial independence means you don’t need life insurance. He shares seven compelling reasons to consider maintaining a policy, including estate liquidity and tax efficiency. Sam emphasizes that life insurance can provide peace of mind for families and protect complex assets. He also discusses scenarios where having coverage outweighs the costs, making a strong case for financial protection even when you're self-insured.
Jul 24, 2025 • 11min
3223: 4 Types of Insurance You Should Consider by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog on Proactive Financial Planning Advice
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 3223:
Kalen Bruce outlines four essential types of insurance that can shield you from life’s financial surprises: health, personal liability, auto, and life. With practical examples and eye-opening statistics, he makes a compelling case for proactive planning to avoid devastating costs and protect your family’s future.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/insurance/types-of-insurance/
Quotes to ponder:
"Even if the coverage amount is high, many of the life-threatening diseases like cancer, AIDS, etc. are rarely covered."
"There is a high chance that you may face a lawsuit in your life yourself."
"If your car is damaged in an accident and you have no insurance cover, then you have to bear all the repairing costs yourself which can be huge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 23, 2025 • 11min
3222: Four Ways to Fight Inflation by Sean Mullaney on Savvy Tax Planning and Leveraging Low-Interest Debt
Explore four clever strategies to combat inflation, including wise tax planning and harnessing low-interest debt. Discover how to maximize travel rewards while making spending choices that alleviate future costs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intentional financial planning, particularly for food and healthcare expenses. A unique three-bucket approach to retirement savings offers insights into optimizing financial assets without getting trapped by pre-tax accounts. It’s all about making today’s decisions work for tomorrow’s financial health.
4 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 9min
3221: Remembering the Emotional Impact of Your Finances? by Andrea Joy of Saving Joyfully on Money and Self-Worth
A simple ATM visit sparks a deep reflection on the emotional toll of financial struggles. The speaker shares how past hardships link money and self-worth, offering powerful insights on overcoming adversity. Highlighting the importance of emotional awareness, the discussion inspires listeners to break free from the grip of their finances on their feelings. Ultimately, it's a motivational journey, reminding us that change is always possible, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
Jul 21, 2025 • 9min
3220: [Part 2] 9 Tips For Financial Success And Freedom - Take Control Of Your Money by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner
Explore key strategies for financial empowerment and independence. Michelle emphasizes the importance of tackling high-interest debt and the benefits of regular family money meetings. Diversifying income streams and saving for retirement are essential for long-term success. Learn how tracking your finances can relieve stress and guide informed decision-making. These practical tips can unify your household around shared financial goals, paving the way for a brighter financial future.
Jul 20, 2025 • 10min
3219: [Part 1] 9 Tips For Financial Success And Freedom - Take Control Of Your Money by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner
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 3219:
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner shares empowering strategies to help you redefine and pursue your version of financial success, whether that means eliminating debt, reducing money stress, or building long-term security. Learn how key habits like emergency saving, intentional spending, and clarifying your financial goals can lay the foundation for true freedom and peace of mind.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2021/07/financial-success.html
Quotes to ponder:
"Feeling financially free is when you are able to live life without worrying about money."
"An emergency fund is one of the most important things you can start off with if you want to take control of your financial life."
"If you are spending more than you earn, you will be digging yourself deeper and deeper into a hole." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
