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
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.
Nov 24, 2025 • 9min
3364: [Part 2] Financial FOMO: What, Why and How To Avoid It by Joel of 5AMJoel on Financial Awareness
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 3364:
Joel explores how Financial FOMO quietly undermines progress by fueling comparison, indecision, and unrealistic expectations. With practical mindset shifts like appreciation, JOMO, and a "low information diet," he shows how to reclaim clarity, peace, and confidence on your unique financial path.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://5amjoel.com/financial-fomo/
Quotes to ponder:
"Missing out gives you more time to focus on other stuff that matters to you. Think 'Less = More'."
"You are comparing their 'outsides' with your 'insides.' The outside appearance of people will always trump your inside feelings about yourself."
"Think about all the things you do have, instead of all the things you don’t have." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 23, 2025 • 9min
3363: [Part 1] Financial FOMO: What, Why and How To Avoid It by Joel of 5AMJoel on Financial Awareness
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 3363:
Joel unpacks the toxic effects of Financial FOMO, the anxiety-driven urge to chase every wealth-building trend, and how it can derail both your mindset and money. Through the story of Steve, we see how constantly comparing yourself to others’ financial wins can create a cycle of stress, distraction, and wasted energy that undermines long-term success.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://5amjoel.com/financial-fomo/
Quotes to ponder:
"Financial FOMO is a little more specific to money and investing. It’s when you worry about missing out on financial success or profitable events, and that worry makes you do harmful things to grow your wealth."
"Getting ahead financially is as much about how you feel about your money as it is about how much money you have."
"It might sound cool to have Financial FOMO, but it can actually be detrimental to your financial success." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 23, 2025 • 11min
3362: Growth Happens At Our Limits: Embrace it. by Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness on Personal Growth
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 3362:
Steve Kamb reveals how true personal growth lies just beyond our comfort zone, right where failure, fear, and challenge live. By embracing the discomfort of trying and stretching ourselves at the edge of our capabilities, we build resilience, confidence, and real progress over time.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/growth-happens-at-our-limits-embrace-it/
Quotes to ponder:
"Growth comes from the edge of our capabilities, where we try something we’re not good at and improve over time."
"You can’t become stronger without pushing yourself beyond what you can currently do."
"If you only ever do the things you’re good at, you’ll never grow."
Episode references:
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
Grit by Angela Duckworth: https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 22, 2025 • 10min
3361: Have Yourself a Frugal Little Christmas by Jen Hayes on Holiday Budgeting
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 3361:
Jen Hayes shares smart, practical strategies for celebrating Christmas joyfully without overspending, from DIY gifts to careful budgeting and bargain hunting. Her thoughtful advice helps reduce financial stress while keeping the season meaningful, creative, and debt-free.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me/have-yourself-frugal-little-christmas/
Quotes to ponder:
"Christmas really is a lot of fun so it’s all worth it, just follow the tips here to stop yourself from overspending and getting into trouble financially."
"You could save a fortune and still get the joy of handing someone a present; they will know you’ve put the effort in too which is far more special than the amount of money paid."
"Instead of spending lots of money on fancy cakes and chocolate, have a look on Pinterest for recipes and make your own."
Episode references:
DontPayFull: https://www.dontpayfull.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 21, 2025 • 10min
3360: How to Build a Starter Emergency Fund in 30 Days or Less by Jackie Beck on Financial Security
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 3360:
Jackie Beck offers a simple, empowering 30-day plan to kickstart your emergency savings, breaking down a goal that often feels overwhelming into small, daily steps. With a focus on creating realistic habits and tracking actual spending, she shows how anyone can begin to build financial security, even on a tight budget.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/how-to-build-a-starter-emergency-fund-in-30-days-or-less/
Quotes to ponder:
"Any amount is more than you had before. It’s something that will insulate you from an emergency that much more than nothing."
"Save FIRST and always instead, and then you’ll have it done."
"Make saving for emergencies a habit, and keep at it until you reach whatever larger goal feels comfortable to you."
Episode references:
Capital One 360 Savings Account: https://www.capitalone.com/bank/savings-accounts/online-performance-savings-account/
Bankrate Emergency Savings Survey: https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/emergency-savings-report/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 20, 2025 • 10min
3359: 9 Painless Ways To Trick Yourself Into Spending Less by Sarah Von Bargen of Yes and Yes on Money-Saving Habits
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 3359:
Sarah Von Bargen shares simple yet surprisingly effective ways to curb spending without feeling deprived. By adding small layers of friction, like unsubscribing from sales emails or using cash-only budgets, you can outsmart impulse buys and reclaim control over your money with minimal effort.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.yesandyes.org/2018/12/spending-less-tricks.html
Quotes to ponder:
"If we can’t be bothered to stand up and go get our credit cards, we probably didn’t really want the item that much to begin with."
"Multiple studies have shown that people who shop hungry spend 60-70% more (!!!) than their non-hungry peers."
"One of the best things I’ve ever done for my mental health was unfollow accounts that made me feel less-than and fill my feed with people who are in my size, age, and tax bracket."
Episode references:
Block Site for Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/block- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 19, 2025 • 11min
3358: What is Your Retirement Manifesto? by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement on Retirement Planning
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 3358:
Kathleen Coxwell invites you to craft a deeply personal retirement manifesto, a clear, intentional declaration of your values, dreams, and life lessons. By articulating what matters most and how you want to spend your time, you'll find greater purpose, fulfillment, and direction in the next chapter of your life.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/what-is-your-retirement-manifesto/
Quotes to ponder:
"This is your time to be defined by you."
"Writing a manifesto can be a great way of thinking about what you want out of your life and a way of holding yourself accountable for being who you want to be."
"You will want to use positive statements, say what you want (not what you don’t want)."
Episode references:
EconoMe Conference: https://www.economeconference.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
