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
Dec 3, 2025 • 11min
3374: [Part 2] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto
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 3374:
Fritz Gilbert outlines three key adjustments to improve the sustainability of retirement withdrawals in today’s uncertain market environment: lowering the withdrawal rate to 3.3%, adopting a dynamic spending strategy tied to market performance, and increasing international equity exposure. These practical shifts help retirees better manage risk and longevity while maintaining spending flexibility.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/rethinking-the-4-safe-withdrawal-rule/
Quotes to ponder:
"Being willing and able to adjust your spending based on actual market returns has been proven to increase your statistical chances of not outliving your money."
“Run the numbers. Be safe out there.”
Episode references:
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vtiax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 2, 2025 • 10min
3373: [Part 1] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto
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 3373:
Fritz Gilbert challenges the conventional 4% safe withdrawal rule, arguing that its simplicity may be dangerously outdated given today’s market conditions. He outlines key concerns about relying on historical data, inflated equity valuations, and rising interest rates, and hints at three practical adjustments he personally uses to reduce risk in retirement spending.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/rethinking-the-4-safe-withdrawal-rule/
Quotes to ponder:
"Bond prices are inversely related to interest rates, so as rates go up, bond prices go down."
"Assuming a minimum requirement of 30 years of portfolio longevity, a first-year withdrawal of 4 percent, followed by inflation-adjusted withdrawals in subsequent years, should be safe."
"If you’re holding 60% stocks and 40% bonds, it’s possible that you could see decreases in both asset classes."
Episode references:
GMO Forecast via Wealth of Common Sense: https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2021/10/the-worst-stock-and-bond-returns-ever/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 1, 2025 • 11min
3372: Want to Retire Early Abroad? Do These 10 Things First by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey
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 3372:
Christina Browning shares ten crucial steps to ensure a successful early retirement abroad, drawing from her personal experience relocating to Portugal. From navigating foreign healthcare systems to stress-testing your lifestyle across seasons, these actionable tips help you avoid common pitfalls and set the stage for a seamless transition to life overseas.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/want-to-retire-early-abroad-do-these-10-things-first
Quotes to ponder:
"Using the medical and dental system in your chosen country is an absolute must before moving!"
"Meeting with other ex-pats in the country of your choice will teach you something immensely valuable, not necessarily how much they love the country, but more so the struggles that they’ve faced while living there."
"Hobbies are a significant part of life for a lot of people, so it’s important to think about this before you make the move." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 30, 2025 • 11min
3371: When, Why and How We Give by Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular on Giving With Intention
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 3371:
Julien Saunders shares a heartfelt exploration of how giving, whether through financial support, gifts, or time, aligns with their values and fuels their pursuit of financial independence. By embracing a flexible, impact-driven approach to generosity, the Saunders family demonstrates how giving can become both a personal responsibility and a tool for meaningful change.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/when-why-and-how-we-give/
Quotes to ponder:
"Giving isn’t a competition and it’s ok to simply give what you want, when you want to."
"Sales are signs of life and hope for them."
"We view our investment strategy as an act of radical self-responsibility."
Episode references:
NPR (National Public Radio): https://www.npr.org/
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): https://www.pbs.org/
The Power of Giving: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Giving-Creating-Abundance-Yourself/dp/1585427519 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 30, 2025 • 8min
3370: How To Transform Loneliness Into Joyful Solitude by Kat Medina on Finding Peace in Solitude
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 3370:
Kat Medina reflects on how solo travel helped her redefine loneliness as a gateway to joyful solitude and personal growth. Through honest storytelling and a five-day self-connection challenge, she encourages us to disconnect from distractions and rediscover the richness of our own company.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.katmedina.com/article?id=solitude
Quotes to ponder:
"There are some moments that are more impactful when experienced by oneself, reminding me that there is a clear difference between alone and lonely."
"If you prioritize some time for yourself to just ‘be’, you can transform isolation into solitude." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 29, 2025 • 9min
3369: What Happens to My Debt When I Die? by Christine Luken on Looking Out For Your Family's Financial Health
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 3369:
Christine Luken offers a clear-eyed guide to understanding how different types of debt, mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and medical bills, are handled after death, and who (if anyone) becomes responsible. With practical advice and real-life examples, she shows how proper planning can prevent financial headaches for grieving loved ones.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/what-happens-to-my-debt-when-i-die/
Quotes to ponder:
"Family members of a deceased person are typically not obligated to use their own money to pay for credit card debt after death."
"If you have a federal student loan, then the federal government will discharge any remaining debt upon your death."
"Here’s the bottom line: excessive debt is bad news all the way around."
Episode references:
The Motley Fool: https://www.fool.com/
Credit Karma: https://www.creditkarma.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 28, 2025 • 10min
3368: 7 Lessons I Learned From Failing at Real Estate Investing by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Investment Lessons
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 3368:
Jeff Rose shares the hard-earned wisdom that came from diving headfirst into real estate investing without the right knowledge, mindset, or passion. His story underscores the importance of aligning your investment strategy with your skills and interests, highlighting that chasing flashy promises can lead to costly lessons. Listening to this can help you avoid common traps and clarify your own financial path.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/7-lessons-i-learned-from-failing-at-real-estate-investing/
Quotes to ponder:
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and it was!"
"Always stick with what you know and love, and leave the other stuff to other people."
"Reaching financial freedom is not a race!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 27, 2025 • 11min
3367: Financial Lessons From a Rugby Field by Michael Smith with Financial Finesse on Long-term Financial Strategy
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 3367:
Michael Smith draws powerful parallels between playing rugby and managing money, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, mental resilience, and meaningful relationships. His insights show how trusting a solid team of financial professionals, sticking to long-term strategies, and redefining your relationship with money can lead to greater peace of mind and financial success.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2015/12/11/financial-lessons-from-a-rugby-field/
Quotes to ponder:
"Expecting to win some and lose some can help take the over-reaction out of investing."
"Not being defined by your financial situation at any moment in time is a very important skill to learn."
“Pick a strategy and stick to it in good markets and bad.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 26, 2025 • 10min
3366: Financial Independence Is A Hall Pass For Safe Reinvention by Dave of Accidental FIRE on Financial Freedom
Explore how financial independence acts as a hall pass for personal reinvention after professional decline. Dave discusses the benefits of midlife skills, such as teaching and improved language abilities. He highlights Arthur Brooks' strategies for coping with change, adding reinvention as a vital approach. Discover how escaping financial pressures can transform work into a pursuit of passion and authenticity, allowing the freedom to pivot careers and deepen relationships.
Nov 25, 2025 • 11min
3365: Failing at Early Retirement by Jeremy of Go Curry Cracker on Retirement Planning
Jeremy, a personal finance blogger at Go Curry Cracker, discusses his personal experience working as a seasonal UPS driver after retiring early. He challenges the stigma around returning to work, emphasizing that it doesn't equate to failure. Jeremy reflects on the joys and challenges of the job, the financial implications, and how it impacted his family life. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of flexibility in redefining retirement and finding value in work without compromising financial independence.
