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
Sep 22, 2025 • 10min
3292: [Part 2] Why You Should Invest, Even in Peak Markets by Chelsea of Smart Money Mamas on Investment 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 3292:
Chelsea illustrates how even investing at the peak of the Great Recession would have yielded strong long-term gains, especially with dividends reinvested. By showing historical data from past downturns, she highlights that discipline, patience, and consistency in the stock market can transform even the worst-timed investments into substantial wealth.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smartmoneymamas.com/investing-in-peak-markets/
Quotes to ponder:
“In only 1 out of the past 10 recessions, starting in 1948, would you have seen your $10,000 investment lose money over a 10-year period, and only then if you had chosen not to reinvest the dividends.”
“The sooner you get your money invested in the market, the more wealth you’ll have in the future. Your money works for you, don’t let it sit idle!”
Episode references:
National Bureau of Economic Research: https://www.nber.org
Bureau of Economic Analysis: https://www.bea.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 21, 2025 • 10min
3291: [Part 1] Why You Should Invest, Even in Peak Markets by Chelsea of Smart Money Mamas on How to Be A Disciplined 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 3291:
Chelsea explains why waiting for the “perfect time” to invest is a losing strategy, showing how sitting on cash often results in missed growth and declining value due to inflation. By highlighting the benefits of dollar-cost averaging, lump-sum investing, and the market’s long-term upward trajectory, she makes a strong case for staying disciplined and avoiding fear-based financial decisions.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smartmoneymamas.com/investing-in-peak-markets/
Quotes to ponder:
"Timing the market is just as hard as picking stocks, but that is exactly what you’re doing if you are holding onto cash and waiting for a market downturn."
"Every day your money sits in cash, you are losing value."
"The long-term trajectory of the market is up. The more time your money is in the market, the better you do." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 21, 2025 • 9min
3290: Creating a Home Gym by Ross Enamait on Working Out on A Budget
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 3290:
Ross Enamait explains how to build an effective home gym without overspending, emphasizing creativity, practicality, and functional training over expensive equipment. His guidance helps readers focus on essential tools and smart solutions, making fitness accessible no matter the budget or space available.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2014/01/29/creating-a-home-gym/
Quotes to ponder:
"You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to create an environment that is suitable for quality training."
"Think practicality and function, not fancy equipment that you don’t need."
"Sometimes the best training tools are not found inside a catalog." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 20, 2025 • 12min
3289: WELLthy Living AND Accountability is the Key to Financial Success by Dawn Dahlby on Building Wealth
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 3289:
Dawn Dahlby reminds us that building a truly fulfilling life requires growing both our financial wealth and our sense of self-worth. By creating intentional plans, staying accountable, and tracking progress, we can align our daily habits with our deeper values and move toward a life of balance, security, and purpose.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://dawndahlby.com/wellthy-living/ & https://dawndahlby.com/accountability-is-the-key-to-financial-success/
Quotes to ponder:
“True change toward something greater involves an internal transformation before we can experience an external one.”
“Creating a rhythm and habit of keeping ourselves accountable and allowing others to hold us accountable can truly allow us to thrive and create the life we desire.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 19, 2025 • 10min
3288: 5 Lessons I Learned From My Investment In Amazon Stock by Mr. Finer on Stock Market Investing 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 3288:
Mr. Finer shares the lessons he learned from his investment journey with Amazon, showing how patience, research, and long-term conviction can outweigh expert opinions and short-term fears. His reflections highlight the value of backing visionary leaders, resisting the urge to sell too early, and recognizing the role of luck in investment success.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mrfiner.com/5-lessons-i-learned-from-my-investment-in-amazon-stock/
Quotes to ponder:
"Exceptional companies always seem overpriced. However, these are the companies that generate exceptional returns!"
"There is no substitute for doing your own research. Knowing why I am investing in a company lets me ignore the so-called experts."
"I think the biggest gains are made by not selling."
Episode references:
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
Sep 18, 2025 • 9min
3287: Should You Rely On Credit Cards For Your Emergency Fund? 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 3287:
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner explains why relying solely on credit cards for emergencies can be a risky financial strategy. She highlights how an emergency savings fund provides security, reduces stress, and protects against debt traps, offering peace of mind no matter what life throws your way.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2015/09/credit-cards-for-your-emergency-savings-fund-amount.html
Quotes to ponder:
"Even if you can only manage $500 to $1,000 right now, that is better than nothing."
"My problem with using credit cards as your sole source for an emergency fund is that it may lead to more debt in some situations."
"You never know if something may come up, how big the expense may be, and whether or not you will have enough credit to fund the expense." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 17, 2025 • 11min
3286: I Have $1 Million and I Still Can’t Afford to Retire! by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement
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 3286:
Kathleen Coxwell explores why even millionaires struggle with retirement security, revealing that a seven-figure nest egg often isn’t enough to sustain long-term quality of life. She outlines practical strategies, like extending work years, budgeting smarter, leveraging home equity, and optimizing income, that apply to both wealthy and average savers facing the same retirement anxieties.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/i-have-1-million-and-i-still-cant-afford-to-retire/
Quotes to ponder:
“One million dollars today is literally not what it used to be.”
“Reducing your future spending can dramatically improve your financial security in retirement.”
Episode references:
The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 16, 2025 • 10min
3285: Life Insurance for Young Adults by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Important Financial 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 3285:
Jeff Rose outlines why life insurance can be a smart move for young adults, even those without dependents. With low premiums and future-proofing benefits, early coverage can protect your loved ones from financial burdens and lock in cheaper rates before age or health changes make it more costly.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/life-insurance-for-young-adults/
Quotes to ponder:
"Life insurance is very inexpensive, and even if you took out a small $50,000 to $100,000 policy, you would be paying less than 2 value meals at McDonald’s a month for coverage."
"If you want to save money on your monthly premiums, spend a couple months improving your health."
"The younger you are, the lower your costs are going to be in paying for your life insurance."
Episode references:
Payable on Death (POD) Account Explanation: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/payableondeath.asp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 15, 2025 • 9min
3284: When You Feel Like You Will Never Get Out of Debt: Things to Consider by Jackie Beck
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 3284:
Jackie Beck reminds us that the feeling of “I’ll never get out of debt” is normal at different stages of the journey, but it doesn’t mean freedom is out of reach. By narrowing your focus to the very next step, celebrating progress, and refusing to get stuck on the big picture, you can steadily build momentum and eventually cross the finish line debt-free.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/im-never-gonna-get-this-paid-off/
Quotes to ponder:
"Chances are a solid plan is exactly what you need to turn that feeling of despair into success."
"Sometimes the best thing you can do when paying off debt is to focus on something other than your debt."
"Don’t look at the big picture, unless you’re looking back at how far you’ve come." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 14, 2025 • 11min
3283: The Oregon Trail Guide to Personal Finance: What Happens Next? by Jana with Budgets Are Sexy
Jana cleverly connects The Oregon Trail to personal finance, illustrating how every financial choice shapes future outcomes. She emphasizes the need for preparation and smart decision-making to achieve long-term goals. Nostalgia meets practicality as she discusses prioritizing basic needs and the importance of work-life balance. Additionally, the podcast highlights how gaming insights can strengthen relationships while navigating your financial journey. A reminder persists: one wrong move could lead to financial peril, so plan wisely!
