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
6 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 9min
3282: How to Cultivate Unconditional Confidence by Cylon George of Spiritual Living For Busy People
Cylon George, author and personal development advocate at Spiritual Living For Busy People, shares insights on cultivating unconditional confidence. He emphasizes that true confidence stems from accepting our authentic selves, not from seeking external validation. Cylon discusses the importance of self-awareness and how nurturing our inner wisdom liberates us from self-doubt. He encourages courageous self-reflection through journaling, paving the way for living authentically and expressing ourselves fully.
Sep 13, 2025 • 9min
3281: Do You Have These Essential Financial Protections in Place? by Erik Carter of 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 3281:
Erik Carter highlights the importance of protecting your finances with the right safeguards before focusing on long-term goals. From health and disability insurance to emergency savings, estate planning, and life coverage, he explains how these essential protections can prevent devastating setbacks and ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2012/12/20/do-you-have-these-basic-financial-protections-in-place/
Quotes to ponder:
"Medical bills are also one of the most common debts we see and the leading cause of bankruptcy."
"The chances of you becoming disabled is much greater than dying before you retire and the financial impact is higher."
"You never know when you’ll need these protections in place and there’s no 'good time' to get them done so do it now."
Episode references:
Term4Sale: https://www.term4sale.com/
Affordable Care Act: https://www.healthcare.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 12, 2025 • 12min
3280: [Part 2] Why You Should Invest in Real Estate by ESI on Financial Independence Investing Plans
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 3280:
ESI shares how smart real estate investments funded his early retirement, showing how cash purchases, renovations, and professional management turned properties into high-yield, low-effort income sources. He outlines the key advantages of real estate, from strong returns and reliable retirement income to creativity and flexibility, while stressing the importance of focusing on cash flow over appreciation.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/why-you-should-invest-in-real-estate/
Quotes to ponder:
"I net approximately 10% a year and my places have appreciated 45% to boot."
"I spend about two hours a month managing them, and they account for 70% of my retirement income."
"The worst thing I did: didn’t buy enough. I would have had twice the number of places and currently be making a fortune."
Episode references:
The Book on Rental Property Investing: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Rental-Property-Investing-Passive/dp/099071179X
The ABCs of Real Estate Investing: https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Real-Estate-Investing-Investors/dp/1937832031
How to Invest in Real Estate: https://www.amazon.com/How-Invest-Real-Estate-Beginners/dp/1947200984 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 11, 2025 • 9min
3279: [Part 1] Why You Should Invest in Real Estate by ESI on Investment Advice for Retiring Early
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 3279:
ESI shares how real estate investing transformed his financial life, from acquiring multiple rental units to retiring at 52 without touching his savings. While acknowledging the hassles of property management, he explains how the rewards, steady income, appreciation, and financial independence, can far outweigh the drawbacks for those willing to explore the opportunity.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/why-you-should-invest-in-real-estate/
Quotes to ponder:
“Hahahahaha! I hear you, real estate is not for everyone. On the plus side, Real Estate was the main reason I retired at 52.”
“I think everyone needs to at least know enough about real estate to consider it as an investment option.”
“I wasted all that time being limited by my own beliefs/fears when I could have been buying a place each year and building up a fortune.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 10, 2025 • 10min
3278: 5 Personal Finance Myths That Could Ruin Your Retirement by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog
Explore five common personal finance myths that could derail your retirement plans. High income doesn't automatically translate to savings, and investing is accessible to everyone, not just experts. Start small, even with a manageable amount like $100 a month. Rethink your approach to debt, recognizing what's beneficial versus harmful. The discussion emphasizes proactive planning and the importance of regular financial check-ups for a secure and fulfilling retirement.
Sep 9, 2025 • 12min
3277: How to Get Your Spouse on Board with Early Retirement by Jill with Mad Fientist on Financial Independence
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 3277:
Jill reflects on the emotional and relational shifts that occur when one partner retires early while the other continues working. She shares candid lessons about identity, expectations, and creating new rhythms together, offering perspective for couples navigating different paths to financial independence.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.madfientist.com/spouse-early-retirement/
Quotes to ponder:
"Early retirement is amazing, but it does introduce some unique challenges if your spouse is still working."
"When your identity and self-worth have been tied to your job for so long, it can be hard to adjust when that job suddenly disappears."
"Just because you’re not working doesn’t mean you can’t be productive or contribute in meaningful ways."
Episode references:
The 4-Hour Workweek: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357
Early Retirement Extreme: https://www.amazon.com/Early-Retirement-Extreme-Philosophical-Practical/dp/145360121X
Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 8, 2025 • 11min
3276: How to Find a Contractor: It’s Not Just About Price by J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly on Frugality and Home 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 3276:
J.D. Roth emphasizes that choosing the right contractor is about much more than just price, it’s about trust, communication, and understanding your needs. Through personal stories of home repairs and remodels, he shows how asking the right questions, comparing bids, and valuing reputation can lead to better results and long-term savings.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/how-to-find-a-contractor-its-not-just-about-price/
Quotes to ponder:
"Some people feel guilty asking a company for a price quote and then not using them. Don’t. That’s how it works."
"The contractor I hired did not offer the lowest price, but he ran a family business like mine, was willing to answer my questions, and offered a $500 reduction if I helped on the project."
"When you shop around for big-ticket items, you can save thousands of dollars."
Episode references:
Angi (formerly Angie's List): https://www.angi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 7, 2025 • 10min
3275: Where Do I Invest After Maxing Out Retirement Accounts? by Chris Reining on Building Wealth and Optimizing Taxes
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 3275:
Chris Reining explains how to strategically invest once retirement accounts are maxed out, offering practical guidance for building wealth beyond traditional tax-advantaged vehicles. He breaks down smart options for taxable investing, managing taxes, and aligning financial choices with long-term goals.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/where-do-i-invest-after-maxing-out-retirement-accounts/
Quotes to ponder:
"Once you’re maxing out retirement accounts, you’ve won the game. You’re ahead of 99% of people."
"With a taxable account, there are no restrictions on when you can withdraw the money."
"The truth is, most people are better off just sticking with index funds."
Episode references:
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vtsax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 7, 2025 • 11min
3274: What Financial Protections Do Stay-at-Home Parents Need? By Amanda Kruse 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 3274:
Stay-at-home parents take on an invaluable role, but the financial risks of stepping away from a paycheck are real. Amanda Kruse highlights the protections every family should consider, from retirement savings and insurance coverage to joint ownership of assets, legal agreements, and ways to maintain income potential. Her insights offer practical steps to safeguard the long-term security of both partners and strengthen financial resilience.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/financial-protections-stay-at-home-parents-need/
Quotes to ponder:
"The SAH parent is a contributing member of the family and entitled to half the assets."
"When the SAH parent isn’t involved in money decisions, it sets the stage for disaster."
"Though not always easy or pleasant, parents should consider the worst-case scenarios and plan for them." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 6, 2025 • 11min
3273: What Should My Asset Allocation Be by Wanderer of Millennial Revolution on Emotions as an Investor
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 3273:
Wanderer explains why asset allocation is less about chasing the “perfect” ratio and more about managing your emotions as an investor. By starting small with a 50/50 mix of equities and bonds, new investors can build confidence, ride out market crashes, and eventually shift toward more aggressive strategies without panicking at volatility.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/invest/what-should-my-asset-allocation-be-nervous-newbie-edition/
Quotes to ponder:
"While the cold, hard math indicates the single biggest determinant of long-term financial success is your asset allocation, in practice the single biggest determinant of long-term financial success is you, the investor."
"The great thing about this strategy is that you’ll only have $5000 in the markets when this happens, so you’re less likely to freak out."
"The trick about investing is that there’s no real trick to it. The only thing you have to watch out for is your own fear forcing you to do the exact wrong thing at the exact wrong time."
Episode references:
Canadian Couch Potato: https://canadiancouchpotato.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
