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
Oct 29, 2025 • 10min
3334: How to Speed Up Debt Repayment With One Simple Trick by Jackie Beck on Smart Debt Management
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 3334:
Jackie Beck shares a powerful mindset shift that can accelerate your debt repayment: treat everything as negotiable. By questioning every expense and experimenting with voluntary frugality, you’ll not only trim costs but also gain freedom and control over your financial life without feeling deprived.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/debt-repayment-speed-up/
Quotes to ponder:
"Every little bit helps."
"When you look for things to change about your lifestyle, start with the idea that literally everything is up for grabs."
“Make a list of the things you enjoy or use on a regular basis that you spend money on.”
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
Oct 28, 2025 • 10min
3333: What Happens if I Die Without Creating a Will by Vicki Cook and 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 3333:
Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock break down what really happens if you die without a will, highlighting how state laws, not your loved ones, could dictate who inherits your assets. From risking your partner being excluded to losing control over your children’s guardianship, they explain why creating and updating a will is essential for protecting your legacy and easing the burden on those you leave behind.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/die-without-creating-will/
Quotes to ponder:
"A will is an essential part of building a solid financial house and you'll likely need one to protect your assets and your loved ones."
"When in doubt, seek legal advice to make sure your will is valid and you're protecting your heirs."
"Having all your stuff organized is going to be a huge help to your loved ones, who will likely need to figure this stuff out during a very emotional time."
Episode references:
RocketLawyer: https://www.rocketlawyer.com
Trust & Will: https://trustandwill.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 27, 2025 • 11min
3332: Women, Insecurity and Money: Overcoming the Confidence Gap by Kristin Wong with Get Rich Slowly
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 3332:
Kristin Wong explores how insecurity and societal expectations can limit women's financial growth and confidence, especially in negotiating and investing. Drawing from research and personal experience, she emphasizes the transformative power of financial knowledge, self-advocacy, and challenging gender norms to build lasting wealth and independence.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/women-insecurity-and-money-overcoming-the-confidence-gap/
Quotes to ponder:
"The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence."
"I had a high tolerance for low pay, and it didn't do me any favors."
Episode references:
Secrets of Six-Figure Women: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Six-Figure-Women-Strategies-Earning/dp/0060933461
First Round 10 Year Project: https://10years.firstround.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2025 • 10min
3331: Buy Your Freedom; Rent the Rest by FIRECracker with JLCollinsNH on Smart Choices for a Free Life
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 3331:
FIRECracker challenges the conventional wisdom that owning is always better than renting by sharing a personal story of how car-sharing saved thousands and reduced stress after a nasty accident with a white van. With sharp humor and financial insight, she makes a compelling case that renting both cars and homes can lead to greater freedom, fewer surprises, and accelerated wealth building, especially in high-cost cities.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2016/10/21/buy-your-freedom-rent-the-rest/
Quotes to ponder:
"Renting lets you get ahead, because you don’t need to take the financial risk to maintain a physical asset."
"The costs of owning are WAY higher than people think, and the worst part of these expenses are they are often unexpected."
"Stress free and predictable. That’s the key to freedom."
Episode references:
Enterprise CarShare: https://www.enterprisecarshare.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2025 • 9min
3330: The Joy of Open Space by Rose Lounsbury on Finding Peace in Less
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 3330:
Rose Lounsbury explores how the presence of open space, not exotic vacations or minimalist fantasies, brings real peace to our everyday lives. Through her journey from insomnia and stress to clarity and calm, she reveals how decluttering our surroundings can unlock a deeper sense of freedom, presence, and restfulness.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roselounsbury.com/joy-of-open-space/
Quotes to ponder:
“There is something in all of us that attracts us to open spaces.”
“Imagine yourself in your ideal environment. Got an image? Good. Now, create it.”
“Vacation is not just a break from our daily routines, it is often a break from the overwhelming stress of our stuff.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 25, 2025 • 9min
3329: How Acne Made Me More Frugal by Jess Chua with Budgets Are Sexy on Lessons in Simplicity and Self-Care
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 3329:
Jess Chua’s unexpected battle with adult acne became a surprising teacher in frugality and intentional living. Her journey away from expensive, overhyped skincare routines toward minimalist, research-backed self-care reveals how challenges can prompt deeper awareness around consumerism, budgeting, and self-trust.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/how-acne-made-me-more-frugal/
Quotes to ponder:
"Sometimes, you don’t get what you pay for."
"The concept of 'less is more' frees you up to focus on the things that matter even more."
"When it came to potential purchases, I would keep asking myself: 'Is this something I really need?'" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 24, 2025 • 11min
3328: A Simple Estate Planning Checklist For a Challenging Topic by Scott Spann with Financial Finesse
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 3328:
Scott Spann outlines a straightforward estate planning checklist that empowers you to make proactive decisions, no matter your age, income, or family status. From organizing documents and setting clear goals to naming beneficiaries and creating essential legal directives, this guide helps ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress during difficult times.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2013/06/17/a-simple-estate-planning-checklist-for-a-challenging-topic/
Quotes to ponder:
"Discussing your intentions in advance can help avoid family conflicts and also minimize the potential for any confusion or questions regarding your true intentions."
"If you have a plan in place but nobody is aware of it, then your wishes may be ignored or there may be significant delays in figuring out your desires."
"Life will undoubtedly throw a curve ball or two our way so it’s essential to review and adapt our plans as necessary."
Episode references:
Life Happens: https://lifehappens.org/
LegalZoom: https://www.legalzoom.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 23, 2025 • 10min
3327: [Part 2] Your Aging Car: Repair or Replace? By Philip Taylor of PT Money on Making Smart Car 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 3327:
Philip Taylor outlines smart strategies to avoid the car loan debt trap, including paying cash for your next vehicle, refinancing through local credit unions, and leveraging side income to accelerate debt payoff. He emphasizes the long-term financial gains of keeping your car longer, selling unused items, and using high-yield savings accounts to prepare for future purchases.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/repair-or-replace-car/
Quotes to ponder:
"A car is an asset, but unlike a home which tends to increase in value, a car loses value the minute you drive it off the lot!"
"If you’re in a situation where you still owe money on your car, see if you can refinance the debt through a local bank or credit union."
"You know you’ll need to replace your vehicle eventually, so the wise choice is to save up now."
Episode references:
Gabi Insurance: https://www.gabi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 2025 • 10min
3326: [Part 1] Your Aging Car: Repair or Replace? By Philip Taylor of PT Money on Making Smart Car 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 3326:
Philip Taylor breaks down the financial and emotional dilemma of whether to repair or replace an aging car, guiding you through five practical questions to assess safety, cost, and long-term value. His thoughtful analysis, paired with an inspiring story of a car-free lifestyle, offers a fresh perspective on what smart, frugal vehicle ownership can really look like.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/repair-or-replace-car/
Quotes to ponder:
"Is your vehicle spending more time in the shop than in your driveway?"
"Even if the safety standards are up to par, reliability can be a big issue with older cars."
"Before you agree to any work done on your car, get an estimate in writing."
Episode references:
Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars
Enterprise Plus Rewards Program: https://www.enterprise.com/en/loyalty.html
Edmunds Car Value Tool: https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal
Kelley Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com
ZipCar: https://www.zipcar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 21, 2025 • 10min
3325: Why Lifestyle Inflation is Harmful and How to Avoid it by Mr. Finer on Living Well Without Overspending
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 3325:
Mr. Finer breaks down the subtle yet powerful trap of lifestyle inflation, showing how incremental upgrades in spending can quietly sabotage financial independence. By focusing on maximizing happiness and utility instead of status, he offers clear strategies to recognize and resist the pressure to constantly "upgrade" your life.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mrfiner.com/why-lifestyle-inflation-is-harmful-and-how-to-avoid-it/
Quotes to ponder:
“There is enough to meet everyone’s needs but not enough to meet everyone’s greed!”
“Lifestyle inflation is like a hole in a tire. You can pump in air, but the tire will not get full until the hole is plugged.”
“Maximize for happiness, not for status.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
