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 29, 2025 • 12min
3229: Have You Outgrown Your Financial Hero? by Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular on Money Advice
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 3229:
Julien Saunders challenges readers to reassess their loyalty to early financial role models, especially as their financial knowledge and life experiences evolve. He explores how outgrowing your "financial hero" can be a necessary step toward achieving deeper, more personalized success and freedom with money.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/have-you-outgrown-your-financial-hero/
Quotes to ponder:
"One of the most valuable but often overlooked parts of growing financially is letting go of the people who helped you get started."
"You may not be their target audience anymore, and that’s okay."
"They helped you build the muscle, but you have to decide how and when to use it."
Episode references:
Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766
The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474
I Will Teach You To Be Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Teach-You-Be-Rich/dp/1523505745
The Simple Path to Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-financial-independence/dp/1533667926 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 28, 2025 • 9min
3228: [Part 2] 4 Strategies to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary by Jessica of The Fioneers on Money Conversations
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 3228:
Jessica from The Fioneers shares practical strategies to strengthen your salary negotiations, including how to leverage research and non-salary benefits to craft a compelling ask. Her guidance empowers you to advocate confidently, establish long-term professional boundaries, and set the tone for open, value-driven conversations with future employers.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thefioneers.com/negotiate-salary/
Quotes to ponder:
"From the data, I could see that you generally pay at around the 75th percentile in the ranges for various roles. That is incredible. I’m excited to work for an organization that invests so much in its talent."
"If you negotiate, you will hopefully receive a higher starting salary. That is the expected benefit."
"It gives you the reputation right away that you are not a pushover. People will expect you to advocate for what you want and set boundaries."
Episode references:
Payscale: https://www.payscale.com
IRS 990 Forms (via Guidestar): https://www.guidestar.org
Salary.com: https://www.salary.com
Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 27, 2025 • 12min
3227: [Part 1] 4 Strategies to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary by Jessica of The Fioneers on How to Increase 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 3227:
Jessica of The Fioneers reveals how job candidates can flip the script and confidently negotiate higher starting salaries by understanding how much leverage they truly have. Drawing on her experience in HR, she explains why companies expect negotiation, how much hiring really costs, and why a well-prepared candidate has more power than they might think.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thefioneers.com/negotiate-salary/
Quotes to ponder:
"Negotiating is not pushy. Negotiation is part of the game."
"If the company is making you an offer, they want to hire YOU to work there."
"The better trade-off is usually to give the candidate more money." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 27, 2025 • 10min
3226: How to Navigate Relationships as Your Finances Change by Lisa Aberle with Get Rich Slowly on Money 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 3226:
Lisa Aberle offers a thoughtful look at how shifting finances can subtly, or not so subtly, affect your closest relationships. With heartfelt honesty, she unpacks emotions like jealousy and guilt while sharing practical strategies for preserving connection, deepening trust, and navigating tough conversations with grace.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/how-to-navigate-relationships-as-your-finances-change/
Quotes to ponder:
"That's what comparison does to people, folks. It helps NO ONE."
"If you want to preserve your friendships, keep the lines of communication open."
"Be the person you want your friends to be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 26, 2025 • 10min
3225: How to Create a Minimalist Budget by Amanda Brownlow on Reducing Money Stress and 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 3225:
Amanda Brownlow breaks down how simplifying your finances through a minimalist budget can reduce stress, increase savings, and help you reach your goals faster. With clear steps like defining essential expenses, building an emergency fund, and cutting non-essentials, this approach promotes mindful money management without overwhelming spreadsheets or unrealistic expectations.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2020/07/21/minimalist-budget/
Quotes to ponder:
"A minimalist budget is simple. Seriously, that’s it."
"Part of being a minimalist is wanting fewer things."
"You don’t need to stockpile toilet paper to be prepared for an emergency to come your way."
Episode references:
You Need a Budget: https://www.youneedabudget.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 25, 2025 • 11min
3224: Why Get Life Insurance If You're Financially Independent by Financial Samurai on Being Self-Insured and Financial Protection
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 3224:
Sam challenges the assumption that financial independence eliminates the need for life insurance, offering seven compelling reasons to maintain or purchase a policy, even when you can self-insure. From estate liquidity to tax efficiency and protecting future dependents, he outlines how the peace of mind life insurance brings often outweighs the cost, especially for those with families or complex asset portfolios.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/get-life-insurance-financially-independent-can-self-insure/
Quotes to ponder:
"You may leave behind stocks, bonds, real estate, fine art, and collectibles, but they require an extra step to become liquid."
"If you think you’ve got a greater chance of dying before the term limit is up, then life insurance becomes a better deal."
"Providing peace of mind to your loved ones is a major reason why people buy life insurance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 24, 2025 • 11min
3223: 4 Types of Insurance You Should Consider by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog on Proactive Financial Planning Advice
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 3223:
Kalen Bruce outlines four essential types of insurance that can shield you from life’s financial surprises: health, personal liability, auto, and life. With practical examples and eye-opening statistics, he makes a compelling case for proactive planning to avoid devastating costs and protect your family’s future.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/insurance/types-of-insurance/
Quotes to ponder:
"Even if the coverage amount is high, many of the life-threatening diseases like cancer, AIDS, etc. are rarely covered."
"There is a high chance that you may face a lawsuit in your life yourself."
"If your car is damaged in an accident and you have no insurance cover, then you have to bear all the repairing costs yourself which can be huge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 23, 2025 • 11min
3222: Four Ways to Fight Inflation by Sean Mullaney on Savvy Tax Planning and Leveraging Low-Interest Debt
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 3222:
Sean Mullaney offers four strategic approaches to reduce your exposure to inflation, including savvy tax planning, leveraging low-interest debt, maximizing travel rewards, and making spending choices that minimize future costs. With a unique lens on how current decisions shape future financial burdens, he encourages a balanced mix of retirement accounts and intentional living to stay ahead of inflation’s bite.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://fitaxguy.com/2022/06/
Quotes to ponder:
"Getting money into Roths and HSAs excuses future growth from taxation, including growth attributable to inflation."
"Inflationary environments are great for debtors, particularly those debtors who have locked in a low interest rate for a long term."
"You can use today’s spending to reduce your exposure to future inflation."
Episode references:
Camp FI: https://campfi.org/
Mark’s Money Mind: https://marksmoneymind.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 22, 2025 • 9min
3221: Remembering the Emotional Impact of Your Finances? by Andrea Joy of Saving Joyfully on Money and Self-Worth
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 3221:
Andrea Joy reflects on how a routine ATM visit stirred emotional memories of her past financial struggles, reminding her of the deep connection between money and self-worth. Her heartfelt insights offer encouragement to anyone navigating financial hardship, emphasizing that change is possible and that emotional awareness is key to sustainable progress.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://savingjoyfully.com/blog/remembering-the-emotional-impact-of-your-finances
Quotes to ponder:
"I was that young woman again and I was right back where I used to be."
"Don’t let your financial situation control your emotions, and even more importantly, don’t let your emotions manage your financial life."
"Each time I am faced with moments like this one, I am reminded that overcoming financial struggles is always possible, even when I may feel hopeless." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 21, 2025 • 9min
3220: [Part 2] 9 Tips For Financial Success And Freedom - Take Control Of Your Money by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner
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 3220:
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner emphasizes five key strategies to strengthen your financial foundation, paying off high-interest debt, holding regular family money meetings, diversifying your income, saving for retirement, and tracking your money. These practical steps not only reduce stress but also empower you to make informed decisions, align your household around shared goals, and build long-term financial freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2021/07/financial-success.html
Quotes to ponder:
"High-interest rate debt simply becomes more and more difficult to pay off over time as those interest charges build and build and become unmanageable."
"Having regular money talks with your family usually means increased communication between partners, a unified financial goal, partners being more involved, and so on."
"Even if you think that you love your job and will want to work forever, you never know what the future may bring."
Episode references:
Wealthfront: https://www.wealthfront.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
