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
Jun 29, 2025 • 9min
3195: A Simple Abundance Mini-Challenge by Steve Pavlina on Overcoming A Scarcity Mindset
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 3195:
Steve Pavlina offers a powerful mindset shift with a small but meaningful challenge: spend a little money on something you genuinely desire but usually deny yourself. This intentional act helps break free from scarcity thinking and nurtures a more joyful, abundant relationship with money, opening the door to unexpected returns and a deeper sense of financial flow.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2018/06/a-simple-abundance-mini-challenge/
Quotes to ponder:
"Spending money is part of your relationship with money."
"Buy it with a desire to lean into a more positive relationship with money."
"Money is a bit shy in that way. But when money sees that we like it and appreciate it, it tends to let its guard down and play back at us." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 29, 2025 • 9min
3194: Why You Can't Eat Healthier by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Mindful Awareness and Self-Judgement
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 3194:
Leo Babauta explores the emotional roots of overeating and reveals how mindful awareness can transform compulsive eating into a more conscious, peaceful relationship with food. By identifying patterns of stress, distraction, and self-judgment, he offers simple yet powerful steps toward healing and self-acceptance.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/foodaholic/
Quotes to ponder:
"I was eating for comfort, for stress relief, for distraction, out of habit."
"When I’m fully present, there is peace. There’s no need to escape."
"With awareness, we can interrupt the cycle and choose something new." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 28, 2025 • 9min
3193: How Professional Development Benefits Your Finances by Jessica Strull on Financial Wellbeing
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 3193:
Jessica Strull explores how investing in your professional development can directly improve your financial well-being, from earning more money to unlocking new job opportunities and income streams. Beyond the paycheck, continual learning sharpens your thinking, expands your network, and even opens doors to career changes that align better with your values and passions.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/continual-professional-development-benefits-finances/
Quotes to ponder:
"Earning a degree or completing a training program can boost your income by qualifying you for a raise in your current position or getting you promoted."
"You never know when you’ll catch the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager who’s looking for the very skills you’ve just learned."
"Learning about unrelated fields you’re passionate about, can be useful for your career progression, too."
Episode references:
The End of Education by Neil Postman: https://www.amazon.com/End-Education-Redefining-Value-School/dp/0679750312 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 27, 2025 • 8min
3192: 7 Reasons to Consider Financial Coaching Services by David Baughier of Fiology on Money Management
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 3192:
David Baughier lays out seven powerful reasons to bring a financial coach into your life from receiving unbiased advice and tailored strategies to building better habits and staying accountable. If you’ve struggled with debt, financial anxiety, or simply want to reach your money goals faster, this practical breakdown shows how coaching could be the missing piece.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.fiology.com/financial-coaching/
Quotes to ponder:
"A financial coach is going to be able to give you the best advice based on your needs."
"A financial coach will be able to tailor a custom financial plan to each person’s individual situation."
"A financial coach will also help you stay on the right path when it comes to paying down your debt, saving money on a regular basis, and maintaining your budget."
Episode references:
The Simple Path to Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-financial-independence/dp/1533667926
Mr. Money Mustache: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 26, 2025 • 10min
3191: Fear Will Hold You Prisoner; a Diversified Portfolio Will Set You Free by FIRECracker of Millennial Revolution
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 3191:
FIRECracker shares a powerful personal story about walking away from a corporate career, facing the grip of fear, and finding unexpected freedom through financial independence and a globally diversified portfolio. Her journey proves that with smart planning, it’s possible not only to survive but to thrive, traveling the world, living richly on less, and watching your net worth grow along the way.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/freedom/fear-will-hold-prisoner-balanced-diversified-portfolio-will-set-free/
Quotes to ponder:
"Fear traps us. Fear holds us prisoner."
"We would’ve never seen the sunset, stopped to smell the roses, and fallen head-over-heels in love with this awesome planet we call home."
"So somehow we MADE money! While travelling the world!"
Episode references:
Mr. Money Mustache blog: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/
Mark Twain quote (Explore. Dream. Discover.): https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2292-twenty-years-from-now-you-will-be-more-disappointed-by
The Shawshank Redemption: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 25, 2025 • 10min
3190: Why You Shouldn't Pay Off Your Mortgage Early by Jen Hayes on Flexible 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 3190:
Jen Hayes challenges the conventional wisdom of rushing to pay off your mortgage, emphasizing that financial decisions should align with individual circumstances. By comparing real-life examples and outlining when early repayment may not be ideal, she encourages a more flexible and personalized approach to financial freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me/why-you-shouldnt-pay-off-your-mortgage-early/
Quotes to ponder:
"Paying $54,000 is a much better deal than paying $100,000 (plus interest)!"
"Is it worth it to pay off your $200,000 mortgage in five years if you’re behind on retirement saving and you’re tired of being frugal?"
"You could, for example, pay off your mortgage over 10 or 12 years instead of 5 or 15."
Episode references:
The Baby Steps (Dave Ramsey): https://www.ramseysolutions.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps
Risk Parity Radio: https://www.riskparityradio.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 24, 2025 • 10min
3189: Frugal Guide to Buying a Used Car by Renee Benes on The True Cost of Car 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 3189:
Renee Benes shares a no-nonsense approach to buying a used car that balances practicality, cost savings, and reliability. From understanding the true cost of ownership to negotiating smarter and prioritizing must-haves, this guide helps frugal buyers navigate the used car market with clarity and confidence.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com/used-car/
Quotes to ponder:
"You know a used car performs much like a brand-new car."
"Truly frugal people would think about the car’s fuel efficiency."
"You will probably need to compromise on some of your must-haves."
Episode references:
Gabi Insurance Comparison Tool: https://www.gabi.com
Kelley Blue Book (used car pricing): https://www.kbb.com
NADA Guides (car valuation): https://www.nadaguides.com
Edmunds Car Value Tool: https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/
Endurance Warranty Reviews: https://www.endurancewarranty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 23, 2025 • 10min
3188: 4 Lies Money Gurus Tell You by Christine Luken on Emotional Spending 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 3188:
Christine Luken dismantles common personal finance myths with empathy and clarity, showing how rigid budgets, cookie-cutter formulas, and willpower-based advice often backfire. Instead, she offers empowering alternatives like Prosperity Plans, emotional spending awareness, and habit-based strategies to help you transform your money mindset without shame or sacrifice.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/4-lies-money-gurus-tell-you/
Quotes to ponder:
"You don’t need a budget, BUT you do need a plan, a Prosperity Plan."
"Money management really isn’t about math; it’s emotional!"
"The payment method is rarely the problem." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2025 • 11min
3187: Should You Get a Car Loan to Improve Your Credit Score? Heck No! by Paula Pant of Afford Anything
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 3187:
Paula Pant unpacks the surprising realities behind auto loans and credit scores, showing why taking on debt just to improve your credit can backfire. With clear insights into how credit scores are calculated, she explains smarter, debt-free ways to boost your score without falling into the trap of unnecessary borrowing.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/will-getting-car-loan-improve-credit-score-heck/
Quotes to ponder:
"Debt should be used to solve problems, not to game a number."
"The credit score was never designed to be a symbol of financial success."
"A credit score is a measure of how good you are at managing borrowed money, not how wealthy or financially responsible you are."
Episode references:
Annual Credit Report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Understanding credit scores: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-score-en-315/
MyFICO: https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-scores Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2025 • 12min
3186: Why You Shouldn’t Optimize Your Life by Nick Maggiulli on Personal Development and 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 3186:
Nick Maggiulli explores how the relentless pursuit of optimization, whether in finances, health, or daily decisions, can lead us astray from what truly matters. Using the Iowa Gambling Task as a metaphor, he reveals how life’s value often lies in its uncertainty and imperfections, urging us to prioritize meaningful progress over marginal gains.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/why-you-shouldnt-optimize-your-life/
Quotes to ponder:
"Once you remove the uncertainties of life, you can almost always find a better option that you could have chosen instead."
"It’s optimization all the way down."
"You start to live the life of a stranger. You eat the food of someone else, wear the clothes of not-you with kids that are more attached to their nanny than to you."
Episode references:
Iowa Gambling Task (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_gambling_task
Ramit Sethi - I Will Teach You To Be Rich: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com
The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
