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 20, 2025 • 10min
3218: Tea Rituals for Focus, Health and Slowness by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on 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 3218:
Leo Babauta explores how simple tea rituals can become grounding daily anchors that cultivate mindfulness and calm. By infusing intentionality into small acts like preparing and drinking tea, we can create sacred space amid chaos and deepen our connection to the present moment.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://zenhabits.net/tea-rituals
Quotes to ponder:
"A tea ritual can be a moment of peace, mindfulness, quiet, solitude."
"It’s a time to be present with yourself and your environment, and not rush to the next thing."
"The tea ritual is a simple act, but it can transform your day."
Episode references:
The Book of Tea: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Tea-Okakura-Kakuzo/dp/0486200701
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Shunryu-Suzuki/dp/1590302672 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 19, 2025 • 10min
3217: Three Phases of Money Feelings by Chris of Keep Thrifty on Financial Freedom and Abundance Mindset
Explore the emotional journey of money with three phases: stress, excitement, and indifference. Discover how financial stress can negatively impact relationships and well-being. Learn to shift your mindset from scarcity to self-awareness, transforming money into a tool for aligning with your values. Dive into the deeper meanings of wealth, where true richness encompasses social, intellectual, and spiritual capital, rather than mere financial gain. Embrace a more balanced approach to your relationship with money!
5 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 9min
3216: How to Start Investing: Simple Four-Step Investing For Beginners Guide by Mr. Finer on Building Wealth
Learn how to navigate the world of investing with a straightforward four-step strategy designed for beginners. Key topics include the importance of emergency funds, eliminating debt, and taking advantage of employer benefits. Discover how to maximize returns while minimizing risks, and hear insightful analogies that make investing concepts easy to grasp. The guide also highlights effective tax-saving options and the transition from managing debt to focusing on retirement savings.
5 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 12min
3215: What are the Habits of Wealthy People by James Altucher on Small, Eaily improvements and Cultivating Gratitude
James Altucher, an entrepreneur and author, shares his transformative journey from losing everything to cultivating a rich life beyond just finances. He discusses the vital habits that promote holistic well-being—focusing on small, daily improvements across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Altucher emphasizes the importance of an abundance mindset in wealth building and encourages embracing loss as a catalyst for growth. His insights provide a refreshing blueprint for achieving true wealth by nurturing gratitude, resilience, and creativity.
Jul 16, 2025 • 9min
3214: Investing With Debt by Wanderer on Smart Financial Decisions and Money Lessons on Housing Costs
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 3214:
Wanderer challenges the conventional wisdom of using debt to invest, especially when buying a home. Drawing on lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, he argues that paying cash for a modest house can safeguard your portfolio, protect you from forced asset sales during downturns, and help avoid overextending on housing costs.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/invest/workshop-invest/investment-workshop-39-investing-debt/
Quotes to ponder:
"Home equity is dead money. And it will remain dead money that you can’t access until you sell the damned house."
"When financial companies run into trouble, it’s entirely in their right to call whatever debt they have and force you to pay it off immediately."
"That’s why I’d pay with cash. It avoids debt which would force you to sell your portfolio at a loss if a crisis happens, and it keeps you from buying too much house."
Episode references:
Root of Good: https://rootofgood.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 15, 2025 • 12min
3213: What to Look for When Reading a Mutual Fund Prospectus by Emily Guy Birken with PT Money
Dive into the world of mutual fund prospectuses, where Emily Guy Birken simplifies what can seem daunting for investors. Learn how to align investment strategies with your goals and identify hidden fees that could eat into your returns. The conversation highlights the importance of comparing fund performance over various timeframes, while also distinguishing mutual funds from index funds. This insightful guide empowers you to read between the lines and make informed financial decisions.
8 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 11min
3212: You Won’t Lose All Your Money Investing (If You Take This Advice) by Robert Farrington of The College Investor
Fear of losing money in the stock market is common, but total loss is rare with the right approach. Practical strategies like diversification and maintaining an emergency fund can empower investors. Consulting with a financial planner can alleviate fears during market fluctuations. The podcast emphasizes a long-term investment strategy, reassuring listeners that losses only occur when investments are sold. Personal insights into passive investing further promote confidence in navigating market volatility.
Jul 13, 2025 • 11min
3211: Stranger In A Strange Land by Jacob Lund Fisker on Embracing Frugality Early to Gain Financial Freedom
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 3211:
Jacob Lund Fisker dismantles the traditional life script of debt-fueled consumption and lifelong employment, exposing how it traps individuals in a cycle of dependency. He proposes a radically different path, front-loading effort, and embracing frugality early, to gain the freedom and flexibility to explore life on your own terms.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/stranger-in-a-strange-land.html
Quotes to ponder:
"If you have debt, you are not a free person. You are explicitly owned by your debt and implicitly owned by the creditor."
"Your twenties is a good time to make sacrifices. Most likely, this will be the healthiest time of your life."
"Now is the time to explore things that are meaningful to you. Travel. Work in another country. Try a different career." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 13, 2025 • 10min
3210: Self-Discovery Is a Kind of Self-Respect by Vironika Tugaleva on Unconditional Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth
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 3210:
Vironika Tugaleva offers a transformative perspective on the relationship between self-discovery and self-respect, urging readers to embrace their whole selves, including the parts they’ve hidden or judged. Her reflections challenge the idea that self-improvement starts with shame, proposing instead that true change begins with unconditional self-acceptance.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.vironika.org/self-discovery-self-respect/
Quotes to ponder:
"Self-respect isn’t something you earn by becoming a better person. It’s something you discover when you realize you were worthy all along."
"To reject who you are is to reject your own humanity."
"You can’t hate yourself into change. You can’t reject yourself into growth. That’s not how it works."
Episode references:
The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379
The Mastery of Love: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Love-Practical-Relationship-Toltec/dp/1878424424
The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 12, 2025 • 12min
3209: 4 Red Flags To Watch Out For Before Buying An Annuity by Tania Brown on Protecting Retirement 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 3209:
Tania Brown breaks down four major warning signs that can signal an annuity might not be in your best interest, from high-pressure sales tactics to advisors downplaying the risks. This eye-opening piece empowers listeners to better protect their retirement money and make more informed decisions when navigating complex annuity options.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2019/01/25/4-red-flags-to-watch-out-for-before-buying-an-annuity/
Quotes to ponder:
"Once you sign, no matter what you thought you were getting, you are pretty much stuck with the annuity."
"There is an inherent trust people have in anyone presenting himself or herself as a financial professional."
"No matter how good an investment is, there are always risks."
Episode references:
State Insurance Department Directory: https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments
Broker Check: https://brokercheck.finra.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
