
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

May 3, 2025 • 10min
3129: What Does Zero Percent APR Really Mean? by Jamie Cattanach on Wealth Building Habits
Dive into the world of 0% APR credit cards and learn the hidden traps behind those seemingly attractive offers. Discover how understanding the fine print can help you avoid costly mistakes. Jamie emphasizes the importance of disciplined repayment habits and suggests treating credit like it accrues interest. Use credit cards wisely as a financial tool, and they can work in your favor instead of leading you into debt. Gain insights into effective debt management and alternatives that promote financial health.

May 2, 2025 • 13min
3128: How To Adopt Financial Habits That Stick by Mark Dennis with Financial Finesse on Money Freedom
Learn how to build lasting financial habits by aligning your money behaviors with your core values. Discover the power of small wins and why systems trump willpower. Dive into habit science and the importance of personalized strategies. Transform your mindset for sustainable habits by incorporating gratitude and self-awareness. Uncover practical tools to simplify your financial management and achieve long-term money freedom.

8 snips
May 1, 2025 • 12min
3127: How To Get Your Money Out Of Your 401K Before 59 1/2 by Wanderer of Millennial Revolution
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 3127:
Wanderer breaks down how to access your 401(k) funds before age 59½ without paying penalties, using a strategy called the Roth Conversion Ladder. By carefully rolling over 401(k) funds into a Traditional IRA and then converting to a Roth IRA within tax-free limits each year, you can build a systematic way to unlock your retirement savings early and maximize tax efficiency.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/invest/get-money-401k-59-1-2/
Quotes to ponder:
"Money inside your 401(k) is kinda like a raw pot roast. You can’t eat it right away."
"It’s all based on the IRS rule that Roth IRA conversions, rather than contributions, can be withdrawn penalty-free 5 years after the conversion has taken place."
"When you do quit, you roll-over all of them into a Traditional IRA. This is done tax-free."
Episode references:
How to access retirement funds early by Mad Fientist: https://www.madfientist.com/how-to-access-retirement-funds-early/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 11min
3126: 5 Reasons Ditching FIRE For FIOR Might Be Your Best Financial Move by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster
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 3126:
Lisa Harrison introduces FIOR, Financial Independence/Optional Retirement, as a flexible alternative to traditional FIRE, offering a more realistic and enjoyable path toward financial security without the pressure of extreme frugality or early retirement. Her approach emphasizes maintaining a strong savings rate while allowing for life's pleasures, making work more enjoyable, reducing the need for side hustles, and ultimately giving individuals more freedom and options.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2019/11/11/5-reasons-ditching-fire-for-fior-might-be-your-best-financial-move/
Quotes to ponder:
"By adopting FIOR, you’ll be able to enjoy life along the way by not having to be extreme in all areas."
"The more money you stash away for your future, the more secure you’re going to feel and the more fun your day job will likely become because, wait for it, you won’t need it."
"FIOR gives you options. When you’re on the path to FIOR and you reach FI, you have the option to quit your job, change jobs, stay on the job, or anything else you can dream up." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 11min
3125: Top 5 Non-Medical Factors That Affect Your Life Insurance Rates by Jeff Root with Good Financial Cents
Explore intriguing factors that impact your life insurance rates beyond just health. Discover how your credit score plays a crucial role, while high-risk occupations like pilots and fishermen might raise your premiums. Learn how certain travel habits can trigger red flags for insurers. This insightful discussion arms you with knowledge to make better lifestyle choices that can lead to more affordable coverage and ultimately protect your loved ones.

6 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 12min
3124: The Zero Cost Lifestyle by Tynan on Intentional Living and Extreme Frugality
Explore the liberating concept of a zero cost lifestyle, where intentional decision-making fuels adventure without breaking the bank. Learn how small changes in spending can lead to significant savings and a more fulfilling life. Discover creative frugality, including fun solutions like clothing exchanges, to enhance enjoyment while cutting costs. The speaker shares personal experiences that highlight the joy of mindful living, proving that freedom and autonomy are possible even on a modest budget.

10 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 12min
3123: The Key To Happiness Is Saving More Not Making More Money by Sam Dogen of Financial Samurai
True happiness may come from saving money more than earning it. Compelling data shows that higher savings lead to greater peace of mind and freedom. Instead of chasing higher income, focusing on savings fosters satisfaction and financial independence. Personal anecdotes reveal how saving provides pride and a sense of stability, emphasizing that money should be viewed as a tool for growth rather than just a mere earning target. This fresh perspective challenges conventional beliefs about wealth and happiness.

Apr 27, 2025 • 11min
3122: Find Out For Yourself by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Extreme Ownership
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 3122:Ross Enamait challenges the culture of passively consuming advice by urging readers to test ideas for themselves, embrace trial and error, and trust personal experience over hearsay. His no-nonsense approach empowers individuals to take ownership of their growth, both physically and mentally, by replacing excuses with action.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2014/03/04/find-out-for-yourself/Quotes to ponder:"Instead of believing what you hear, find out for yourself.""You’ll never know what you are capable of if you are too afraid to try.""The more you do, the more you’ll learn about what works for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 26, 2025 • 11min
3121: The Hidden Wealth Opportunity by Gordon Stein on Saving Money and Personal Growth
Listeners are taken on a journey through a personal tale that turns a rental disaster into a valuable lesson in home construction. The story highlights how curiosity and a willingness to learn can transform setbacks into growth opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of gaining trade skills, it showcases the idea of 'working to learn, not to earn.' The discussion invites reflection on how challenges can lead to lifelong benefits, revealing hidden wealth opportunities in unexpected circumstances.

9 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 13min
3120: Debt Can Be A Good Thing - In Moderation by Paula Pant of Afford Anything on Financial Freedom
Explore the surprising benefits of debt in moderation, as extreme views can derail financial stability. Discover how strategic investments in education, like student loans for higher returns, may be worth the risk. Learn about the trade-offs between selecting elite institutions versus state universities and how those decisions shape future earnings. The discussion emphasizes making informed choices that prioritize career goals, alongside a look at tools for aspiring entrepreneurs to enhance their business ventures.