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
Dec 31, 2024 • 10min
2989: How to Pay Off Your Debt: The Debt Snowball Vs. The Debt Avalanche by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog
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 2989:Kalen Bruce explores two powerful strategies for paying off debt - the debt snowball and the debt avalanche. By comparing their benefits and drawbacks, this article empowers you to choose the method that aligns with your financial goals and motivation style, whether you crave small wins or want to minimize interest payments.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/debt-relief/pay-off-debt-snowball-vs-avalancheQuotes to ponder:"If you become debt free, you win. It doesn’t matter which method you used once you are debt free.""Personal finance is less about the math and more about behavior, habits, and mindset.""Sometimes the right method may not make the most sense on paper, but if it works, you still win!"Episode references:Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Dave-Ramsey/dp/1595555277 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 30, 2024 • 11min
2988: Don't Let Comparisons Derail Your FIRE Journey by FIRECracker of Millennial Revolution 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 2988:FIRECracker of Millennial-Revolution.com shares how comparisons can derail your journey to financial independence. Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on your own progress and celebrate each milestone. The FIRE journey is about growth, not a race to the finish line, and cherishing small victories can keep you motivated and fulfilled along the way.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/build/dont-let-comparisons-derail-fire-journey/Quotes to ponder:"Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t compare your beginning with someone’s middle or end.""Your FIRE journey is about growth and progress. It’s about celebrating all the wins along the way.""If you don’t do it, the time will pass anyway. Would you rather be richer in 10 years or exactly where you are now?"Episode references:The Simple Path to Wealth by JLCollins: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-financial-independence/dp/1533667926 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 29, 2024 • 10min
2987: If More People Did Money Like They Play Monopoly, They’d Be A Lot Better Off by Barney of The Escape Artist
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 2987:Barney from TheEscapeArtist.me draws an insightful parallel between winning at Monopoly and managing personal finances effectively. By focusing on strategic investments, avoiding distractions, and playing the long game, individuals can set themselves up for financial success. The message is clear: adopting a Monopoly mindset buying assets, avoiding debt traps, and holding investments can dramatically improve one's financial well-being.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theescapeartist.me/2023/12/09/if-more-people-did-money-like-they-play-monopoly-theyd-be-a-lot-better-off/Quotes to ponder:"Imagine playing Monopoly and never buying assets or investments that generate income. This is how most people live their life.""You already know how to win at Monopoly. But you only really know it if you do it.""Get rich slowly, get started quickly." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 29, 2024 • 10min
2986: Maternity Medical Care: How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby by Dr. Ashley Burkman with Smart Money Mamas
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 2986:Dr. Ashley Burkman from Smart Money Mamas.com delves into the often-overlooked expenses associated with childbirth, offering valuable insights for expectant parents. From understanding insurance deductibles to choosing between hospitals, birthing centers, and home births, she guides couples in making informed decisions to manage maternity costs effectively while preparing for the unexpected.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smartmoneymamas.com/maternity-medical-costs/Quotes to ponder:"Even with a birth plan, having a Plan B or Plan C for alternative scenarios like complications is helpful.""If your pediatrician does not make you feel supported, pick a different doctor.""It's better to over-prepare than to be underprepared when it comes to medical costs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 28, 2024 • 10min
2985: So You Want To Be A Millionaire by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto on 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 2985:Fritz Gilbert explores how small financial decisions can significantly impact long-term wealth. By harnessing the power of compound interest, even modest savings can snowball into substantial retirement funds. Whether you're just starting your career or nearing mid-life, strategic saving can transform your financial future and ultimately help you achieve that millionaire milestone.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/56-so-you-want-to-be-a-millionaire/Quotes to ponder:"One decision, early in life, compounded over many decades, has a profound impact on your long term financial wealth.""Recognize the impact your small purchases make when compounded over time.""Do it long enough, aggressively enough, intentionally enough, and you will become a millionaire." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 27, 2024 • 11min
2984: The Autopilot Guide to Credit Cards by Steven Keys of Trip Of A Lifestyle 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 2984:Steven Keys simplifies the complex world of credit cards, offering an easy, stress-free strategy to maximize rewards and boost credit scores. By paying balances in full each month and choosing no-fee, cash-back cards, you can profit from rewards programs without falling into debt traps.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/money/guide-to-credit-cards/Quotes to ponder:"Credit cards aren’t evil, scary, or complex, but using them correctly does require you to know a few facts that most people are never told.""Just pay your statement balance in full every single month no exceptions.""You should charge literally everything you buy on your credit card, to maximize the rewards."Episode references:EconoMe Conference: https://www.economeconference.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 26, 2024 • 11min
2983: Why I Own 100% US Stocks by A Purple Life on Financial Planning and 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 2983:A Purple Life shares the rationale behind a 100% US stocks portfolio, emphasizing simplicity, higher returns over time, and the built-in international exposure of US index funds. By maintaining a flexible, minimalist lifestyle and an adaptive mindset, the author demonstrates how careful financial planning can align with personal values and long-term goals.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurplelife.com/2019/10/29/why-i-own-100-us-stocks/Quotes to ponder:“Simple is good. Simple is easier. Simple is more profitable.”“My lifestyle is completely flexible. I have absolutely no roots or anything keeping me in one location.”“Life is about learning and adapting based on new knowledge, but for now I’m riding the wildly bucking unicorn that is 100% US stocks.”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
Dec 25, 2024 • 8min
2982: 7 Lame Reasons People Don't Save for Retirement by Philip Taylor of PT Money on Financial Future
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 2982:Saving for retirement is a struggle for many, but Philip Taylor dismantles seven common excuses from "it's selfish" to "it's too late" that hold people back from securing their financial future. By addressing misconceptions and providing actionable solutions, Taylor empowers readers to take the first step toward financial independence, regardless of their current age or income.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/7-retirement-savings-excuses-you-can-overcome/Quotes to ponder:"Saving for your retirement is the complete opposite of selfish.""To have a little success in life you might just have to learn something.""When you’re young, retirement is a long way off, but you’ve got time on your side."Episode references:IRA Catch-Up Contributions: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-catch-up-contributions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 24, 2024 • 9min
2981: What It Means To Be A Passive Investor by Kiersten Saunders of Rich And Regular 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 2981:Kiersten Saunders shares her perspective on embracing passive investing as a deliberate choice rooted in simplicity, lower costs, and long-term growth. By prioritizing buy-and-hold strategies for real estate and index funds for stocks, she highlights the benefits of transparency, reduced tax burdens, and financial freedom. Her reflections challenge the cultural emphasis on overworking, advocating instead for trust in time and patience to achieve lasting financial independence.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/what-it-means-to-be-a-passive-investor/Quotes to ponder:"Passive isn’t a lack of effort, it’s a choice to direct your energy toward what matters most.""I had to learn the difference between confidence and competence.""If I perceive time as something to be feared, everything that requires it will be seen as a problem."Episode references:EconoMe Conference: https://economeconference.comThe 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
Dec 23, 2024 • 9min
2980: How To Execute A Frugal Reboot When Old Spending Habits Appear by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster
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 2980:Lisa Harrison outlines a practical strategy for reclaiming financial discipline when old spending habits resurface. Through goal prioritization, progress tracking, budget adjustments, and family meetings, her approach empowers individuals and families to regain control, sustain frugality, and achieve long-term financial goals without feeling overwhelmed.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2019/08/26/how-to-execute-a-frugal-reboot-when-old-spending-habits-appear/Quotes to ponder:"Shifting goals without a solid plan can easily allow you to lose financial focus.""Tracking your net worth is a key to staying motivated because you can see progress with your own two eyes.""Your budget is fluid, and you’re in control." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
