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
Jan 23, 2026 • 8min
3432: [Part 1] Transferring a Primary Residence to Children by Sean Mullaney of FI Tax Guy on Legacy Decisions
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 3432:
Sean Mullaney breaks down the key legal and tax considerations for parents looking to pass their home to their children, whether they’re minors or adults. From the flexibility of revocable living trusts to the potential pitfalls of joint tenancy, this episode offers a clear, practical guide to making informed decisions while avoiding costly mistakes.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://fitaxguy.com/2020/08/
Quotes to ponder:
"It is often best to work with a lawyer to transfer the primary residence to a revocable living trust."
"The best thing about a revocable living trust: as long as the grantor(s) is/are alive, the trust is fully revocable! So mistakes can be easily fixed."
"Parents placing their primary residence in their own revocable living trust does not necessitate the filing of a federal gift tax return (Form 709)."
Episode references:
IRS Publication 551: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p551 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 22, 2026 • 8min
3431: How Many Savings Accounts Should I Have? by Christine Luken on Cash Organization
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 3431:
Christine Luken offers a balanced approach to savings by recommending at least two accounts, one for emergencies and another for planned purchases, with a third for taxes if you're self-employed. Her system helps you stay organized, avoid debt, and plan ahead without overcomplicating your finances.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/how-many-savings-accounts/
Quotes to ponder:
"I advise my clients to have at least six months of their household expenses in their emergency fund."
"Having a healthy emergency fund ensures that a stretch of bad months in the business won’t ruin your personal financial health."
"You don’t want to owe the IRS back taxes. They have the leverage to make your life miserable."
Episode references:
Mint: https://mint.intuit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 21, 2026 • 8min
3430: Do This With Your Vacation Time From Your Job to Make More Money by Dustin Heiner of Master Passive 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 3430:
Dustin Heiner challenges conventional thinking about unused vacation hours, proposing a strategic way to spend rather than cash them out, allowing you to keep earning benefits, avoid high taxes, and extend your income even after you've stopped working. This mindset shift not only saves money but can ease the transition from employee to entrepreneur.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://masterpassiveincome.com/cash-out-vacation-time-accrual
Quotes to ponder:
"Wouldn’t it be nice to still be employed, get paid your normal salary, and earn more vacation time, all while you have already quit working?"
"You accrue more vacation time when you spend it."
“You can’t put a monetary value on your free time, because you’re paying for it in mental and physical health.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 2026 • 9min
3429: How to Transfer Your Brokerage Account by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Investment Relocation
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 3429:
Jeff Rose breaks down the surprisingly simple process of transferring your brokerage account, even if you're leaving a financial advisor. Learn how to avoid hidden fees, reduce delays, and make sure your investments move seamlessly using the ACAT system, all while sidestepping the frustration of awkward conversations with your current firm.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/brokerage-account-transfer-fees/
Quotes to ponder:
"Many people don’t realize how easy it is to actually transfer your brokerage account elsewhere. It’s easier than switching banks."
"Make sure you can see exactly how much you would pay if you had to pay anything at all."
"Verify with your insurance company before liquidating any annuity contracts."
Episode references:
SEC Guide to Account Transfers: https://www.sec.gov/about/reports-publications/investorpubsacctxferhtm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 19, 2026 • 11min
3428: Accredited Investor: The Benefits of Being One by Amanda Kruse of Women Who Money on Advanced Investing
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 3428:
Amanda Kruse breaks down what it means to be an accredited investor, who qualifies, and why gaining this status can open doors to high-return investment opportunities like venture capital and real estate crowdfunding. While the benefits include diversification and access to exclusive deals, Kruse stresses the importance of due diligence and the risks that come without SEC protections.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/accredited-investor-benefits-of-being-one/
Quotes to ponder:
"You have access to a broader range of investment options not available to everyone, such as real estate crowdfunding and venture capital."
"Some riskier investments available to accredited investors have the potential for higher returns."
"If you’re newly accredited, start small and only invest in what you understand."
Episode references:
Worthy Bonds: https://worthybonds.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2026 • 9min
3427: Budgeting Tips: 10 Ways to Lower Your Life's Fixed Costs by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist
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 3427:
Joshua Becker offers a practical guide to reclaiming control over your finances by cutting down on fixed expenses, those monthly costs we often assume are immovable. From downsizing your home to canceling unused subscriptions and resisting the urge to upgrade your phone, each tip opens the door to greater financial freedom and intentional living.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/budgeting-tips/
Quotes to ponder:
"Living in a smaller home offers opportunity to cut these fixed costs."
"Buy the most reliable car you can purchase with cash, and then begin saving for your next vehicle."
"Stop paying money to keep stuff you don’t need." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2026 • 9min
3426: 3 Science-Backed Daily Habits for a Life of Happiness and Success by Michael Mehlberg on Positive Routines
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 3426:
Michael Mehlberg explores how three simple, science-backed habits, getting enough quality sleep, exercising consistently at the right time, and planning your day with intention, can significantly boost productivity, reduce stress, and elevate your overall sense of well-being. Stacking these habits daily creates a powerful foundation for both happiness and long-term success.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.moderndavinci.net/blog/2019/5/28/if-a-happy-and-successful-life-is-all-about-developing-three-good-daily-habits-what-would-those-three-habits-be
Quotes to ponder:
"You don't think of sleep as a habit, but you should."
"Exercise is a habit. It's something you feel either compelled to do or feel is an interruption."
"Moments are the Lego’s of your day. They are the building blocks if happiness or despair; success or mediocrity."
Episode references:
The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 17, 2026 • 9min
3425: [Part 2] Dealing with Uncertainty in Retirement Calculations by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet
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 3425:
Darrow Kirkpatrick explores the unpredictable nature of retirement planning, revealing how small shifts in key variables like inflation, investment returns, and living expenses can dramatically alter your financial future. Rather than chasing precision, he advocates using retirement models as directional tools, emphasizing flexibility, thoughtful scenario comparison, and quality of life over rigid calculations.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/dealing-with-uncertainty-in-retirement-calculations/
Quotes to ponder:
"A retirement model is a compass, not a map. It can tell you where you’re going, but not if and when you’ll arrive!"
"The difference in ending net worth between our best and worst case scenarios at age 95 is well more than one million dollars."
"Most of the difference between the best and worst case scenarios is accounted for by investment returns, Social Security, and living expenses." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 16, 2026 • 12min
3424: [Part 1] Dealing with Uncertainty in Retirement Calculations by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet
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 3424:
Darrow Kirkpatrick exposes how even modest shifts in retirement planning inputs, like inflation, returns, or lifespan, can produce drastically different financial outcomes. Using a simple couple’s case study, he reveals how uncertainty compounds to the point where the difference between financial freedom and running out of money can hinge on a few percentage points.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/dealing-with-uncertainty-in-retirement-calculations/
Quotes to ponder:
"Retirement planning can be like [the game of Telephone]. Seemingly small differences in input can compound into gigantic differences in output."
"The longer you live, the more chance you’ll run out of money, so that’s a worst case for financial planning."
Episode references:
Social Security Administration Life Expectancy Info: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html
Rational Expectations by William Bernstein: https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Expectations-Asset-Allocation-Prosperity/dp/0988780313 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 15, 2026 • 9min
3423: What Debt to Pay Off First: A Simple Way to Decide What’s Best by Jackie Beck on Repayment 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 3423:
Jackie Beck explains why emotions, not logic, are the key to successfully paying off debt. By focusing on the smallest balances or the debts that weigh heaviest emotionally, you’re more likely to build momentum and stay motivated, leading to long-term behavioral change and financial freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/what-debt-to-pay-off-first/
Quotes to ponder:
"Put your debts in order from smallest to largest and get rid of the first one as fast as you can."
"Logic wasn’t a factor in getting into debt, and it’s not going to be the biggest factor in getting out."
"Remember, a huge part of how to get out of debt is changing your behavior for good." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
