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
Aug 2, 2025 • 10min
3233: Should You Do a HELOC or a Second Mortgage? By Miranda Marquit with Good Financial Cents
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 3233:
Miranda Marquit unpacks the key differences between a HELOC and a second mortgage, helping homeowners make smarter choices when tapping into their home equity. Whether you're funding renovations or consolidating debt, you'll gain clarity on which option offers the flexibility, stability, or risk profile that aligns with your financial goals.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/should-you-do-a-heloc-or-a-second-mortgage/
Quotes to ponder:
"A home equity line of credit is a revolving line of credit that allows you to tap into the equity you’ve built in your property."
"If you know exactly how much money you will need, for something like debt consolidation or to contribute to a child’s college education, a lump sum can be helpful."
"You are using your ownership in your home as collateral, and you could lose your house if you fall behind in your payments."
Episode references:
IRS - Home Mortgage Interest Deduction: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p936
Figure: https://www.figure.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 1, 2025 • 10min
3232: Alternatives to Loans: 5 Things to Do Instead of Borrowing Money by Jackie Beck on Breaking the Debt Cycle
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 3232:
Jackie Beck challenges the automatic habit of borrowing by offering five empowering alternatives that help break the debt cycle. From delaying non-essential purchases to creatively earning more and asking the right questions, she encourages listeners to reclaim financial control and reduce stress by spending only what they already have.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/alternatives-to-loans-5-options/
Quotes to ponder:
“Many of the things we think we ‘have’ to borrow money for aren’t true ‘must haves’. They’re just things we’d really, REALLY prefer to have or are used to having.”
“The way to do things without borrowing money is to have the cash available. Cash flowing things is the biggest alternative to taking out a loan there is.”
“Actively seeking out ways to avoid loans (especially payday loans!) can completely change your life.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 31, 2025 • 10min
3231: 6 Ways to Turbocharge Your Savings by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Money Mindset and Financial Goals
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 3231:
J. Money shares six unconventional yet powerful ways to supercharge your savings by tweaking everyday habits, like rounding up payments, banking “spavings,” and doing no-spend challenges. These bite-sized strategies not only build wealth steadily but also help reshape your mindset around money, time, and self-discipline.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/6-ways-to-turbocharge-your-savings/
Quotes to ponder:
"Whatever your monthly payment is, just round up to the nearest $10th and kill off a little extra debt without even noticing it!"
"You might not have paid full price for the item, but you’re still very much spending money vs saving since nothing actually went INTO your savings account!"
"The idea is to spend only on the necessities of life for a month, and then resist from spending money on the 'wants.'"
Episode references:
75 Hard Challenge: https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info
Acorns App: https://www.acorns.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 30, 2025 • 11min
3230: You Earn Passive Income by Being More Generous by Steve Pavlina on Creating Financial Freedom
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 3230:
Steve Pavlina reframes passive income not as laziness, but as generosity, delivering value to more people without repeatedly doing the work. By scaling your value delivery, you can earn income multiple times from the same effort, creating freedom and greater impact.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2012/05/you-earn-passive-income-by-being-more-generous/
Quotes to ponder:
"With a passive income method, your work product is delivered multiple times, and you get paid multiple times."
"A person with a job is just a business owner who sells to only one customer."
"Society doesn’t care how hard you work. It doesn’t care how creative you are. It only cares about the value you’re actually getting into people’s hands." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
