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 15, 2024 • 9min
2970: Mediocrity is an Integrity Problem by Cylon George on How to Live Authentically
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 2970:Cylon George challenges us to see mediocrity as a matter of personal integrity, encouraging a commitment to our deepest values and purpose. His insights reveal how small compromises can undermine character and inspire the courage to live authentically and wholeheartedly.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/mediocrity-is-an-integrity-problemQuotes to ponder:"Mediocrity is not a reflection of talent or intelligence; it’s a failure of commitment to our highest values.""When we compromise our standards in small, seemingly insignificant ways, we pave the way for larger betrayals of our integrity.""Authenticity isn’t just about being honest with others it’s about being honest with ourselves."Episode references:Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsDaring Greatly: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 14, 2024 • 10min
2969: How to Pay Yourself First AND Automate Your Finances by Ryan H Law on How to Build 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 2969:Ryan H Law highlights the transformative power of "paying yourself first," a foundational personal finance principle. By automating savings through strategies like 401(k) contributions, Roth IRAs, or direct deposits into savings accounts, you can build long-term wealth effortlessly. This approach fosters discipline and prioritizes future financial security over impulsive spending.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanhlaw.com/how-to-pay-yourself-first/ & https://ryanhlaw.com/automate-your-finances/Quotes to ponder:"Poor people spend their money and save what’s left, while rich people save their money then spend what’s left.""A part of all I earn is mine to keep.""Paying yourself first is all about deploying the gap: maybe some goes to beefing up your emergency fund, and another portion gets thrown at debt."Episode references:Policygenius: https://www.policygenius.comThe Richest Man in Babylon: https://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Babylon-George-Clason/dp/1505339111 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 13, 2024 • 9min
2968: How to Budget on a Variable Income by Jen Hayes on Reducing and Managing Financial Stress
Jen Hayes, a savvy personal finance blogger, shares her expert insights on budgeting for those with variable incomes. She presents three practical strategies: live on last month’s income, budget paycheck to paycheck, and create a bare-bones budget using your worst month’s income. Jen emphasizes how these techniques can alleviate financial stress, helping individuals maintain control over their finances despite income fluctuations. Quirky quotes and personal anecdotes make her advice both relatable and actionable.
Dec 12, 2024 • 10min
2967: Money Saving Hacks for Non Cheapskates by Renee of The Fun Sized Life on Practical Money-Saving Strategies
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 2967:Renee of TheFunSizedLife.com offers practical money-saving strategies tailored for those who value a balanced approach over extreme frugality. From identifying spending habits misaligned with your goals to focusing on big financial wins, these hacks empower you to save effectively without compromising on the joys of life. She emphasizes aligning spending with your values to create a life that's both financially sound and personally fulfilling.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com/saving-hacks/Quotes to ponder:"Where we spend our money is a reflection of what we value.""Spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t.""If we are spending too much time or energy on things that aren’t high value to us, over the long run our life starts to feel less thrilling than we’d like."Episode references:The quote from Ramit Sethi is from "I Will Teach You to Be Rich": https://www.amazon.com/I-Will-Teach-You-Rich/dp/0761147489 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 11, 2024 • 10min
2966: Why The Banks Are Out To Get You by Wanderer of Millennial Revolution on Index Fund Passive Investing
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 2966:Wanderer from Millennial Revolution exposes the deceptive practices of financial institutions, highlighting their resistance to index funds due to the threat they pose to their fee-based business model. Learn why financial literacy is crucial to avoid falling victim to misleading advice and how to take control of your investments with low-cost, efficient options.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/invest/why-the-banks-are-out-to-get-you/Quotes to ponder:"Anyone can buy index funds. You don’t need to be licensed, and you don’t need anyone’s permission. All you need is a brokerage account.""The finance industry is here for one reason and one reason only: to take as much of your money as they can.""If your bank lies to you, leave! This is a great rule to follow in general: I refuse to do business with liars, and so should you."Episode references:Quit Like a Millionaire: https://www.amazon.com/Quit-Like-Millionaire-Radical-Wealth/dp/0525538690 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 10, 2024 • 11min
2965: Where to Invest First AND Get Off the Financial Treadmill and Start Building Wealth by Derick Van Ness
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 2965:Derick Van Ness emphasizes that the foundation of financial and personal success begins with investing in yourself. Master your skills, develop your mindset, and create value that makes you indispensable. As you grow, pivot from earning income through work to building assets that generate wealth, enabling true freedom and fulfillment in life.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://biglifefinancial.com/2019-2-1-where-to-invest-first/ & https://biglifefinancial.com/2018-8-15-get-off-the-financial-treadmill/Quotes to ponder:"Nothing is more vital than investing in yourself. You are the key to everything in your life.""Strive to become 'the wheel' rather than a 'cog' in the wheel. Someone whose value is so powerful that you are not dependent on outside circumstances for your success.""Success isn't somewhere 'out there'; it is 'in here'. Invest in your human capacity, your skills, and your business."Episode references:The Miracle Morning: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9, 2024 • 11min
2964: Financial Fear and Resistance by Alacias Enger of My Sense With Cents 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 2964:Alacias Enger explores the emotional and financial implications of living in a world where personal responsibility for retirement has replaced traditional pensions. Through a poignant client story, she illustrates how fear and resistance can hinder progress, and emphasizes the value of surrendering to the present, fostering gratitude, and seeking supportive financial guidance to achieve stability and growth.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.mysensewithcents.com/2021/05/financial-fear-and-resistance.htmlQuotes to ponder:"Fear isn't a terribly useful emotion as it often has us manifesting in the direction of that which we do not want.""Resistance is very literally fear. When we experience fear, it is because we are literally resisting our here and now by focusing our attention on a past we cannot change or a future we cannot control.""Can you simply observe your life, your money, and recognize that in this moment you are okay?"Episode references:IRS Code 401k Overview: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/401k-plansThe Revenue Act of 1978: https://www.congress.gov/bill/95th-congress/house-bill/13511 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 8, 2024 • 11min
2963: Reduce the Budget Busters by Gary with Jillian Johnsrud on How to Achieve 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 2963:Gary from JillianJohnsrud.com shares strategic tips to reduce major expenses without sacrificing quality of life, emphasizing housing, transportation, and food as the most impactful areas to optimize. From house hacking and driving affordable used cars to batch cooking and limiting dining out, these practical approaches can save hundreds monthly, helping you achieve financial freedom and redirect funds toward meaningful goals.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jillianjohnsrud.com/reduce-the-budget-busters/Quotes to ponder:"Focus on eliminating or reducing your largest expenses first before you give up your mocha latte at Starbucks.""By renting out two rooms in my house, my mortgage payment will be under $300 per month.""Compounding these changes over time can drastically change your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 8, 2024 • 9min
2962: 3 Practices To Become A Great Listener by Christine Comaford on The Art of Active Listening
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 2962:Discover how to elevate your conversations with the art of active listening, as shared by Christine Comaford. Learn techniques to foster connection, reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships through intentional listening.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/great-listener/Quotes to ponder:"Great listening starts with a shift in focus from ourselves to the other person.""Active listening isn’t about agreeing; it’s about creating an environment where people feel heard and understood.""Listening isn’t passive, it’s one of the most powerful ways we connect with others."Episode references:Nonviolent Communication: https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Marshall-Rosenberg/dp/189200528XThe Power of Full Engagement: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 7, 2024 • 10min
2961: What Is a Debt Management Plan and How Does It Work by Jackie Beck on Financial 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 2961:Jackie Beck outlines the essentials of a debt management plan (DMP) as a structured, non-profit-led approach to paying off unsecured debts like credit cards or small medical bills. She highlights its pros, cons, and alternatives, providing actionable steps to determine if a DMP suits your financial needs and encouraging accountability to make the debt repayment journey smoother.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/what-is-a-debt-management-plan/Quotes to ponder:"Working with a non-profit to use a debt management plan lets you make one monthly payment for your consumer debts.""It may cut interest and fees, but you may have to pay a monthly fee to take part.""No matter what you decide, you’ll need to make changes in your financial life to help make sure things go well in the future."Episode references:CESI Debt Solutions: https://www.cesisolutions.orgConsumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS): https://www.credit.orgNational Foundation for Credit Counseling: https://www.nfcc.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
