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 18, 2025 • 11min
3357: Don't Let Shopping Ruin Your Holiday Season by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist on Stress-Free Holidays
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 3357:
Joshua Becker reveals how decades of marketing have hijacked the spirit of the holidays, turning a season meant for connection into one dominated by consumerism and stress. He offers a compelling case for simplifying gift-giving, focusing instead on meaningful traditions that bring real joy and lasting memories.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/dont-let-shopping-ruin-your-holidays/
Quotes to ponder:
"Retail promises the perfect Christmas, but ruins it instead."
"Shopping is resulting in the exact opposite emotions we desire during this holiday season."
"Lifestyle creep is not just for adults… the phenomena exists for children as well."
Episode references:
The Hope Effect: https://www.hopeeffect.com/givingtuesday2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 17, 2025 • 9min
3356: Negotiate Your Next Raise or Starting Salary by Laurie Sepulveda of Women Who Money on Salary Negotiation
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 3356:
Laurie Sepulveda breaks down why many women struggle with salary negotiations and outlines how to shift from self-doubt to confidence through research, practice, and strategic silence. By understanding your market value, leveraging your accomplishments, and getting comfortable with making counter-offers, you can start earning what you're truly worth.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/negotiate-next-raise/
Quotes to ponder:
"Unless we're armed with knowledge [meaning cold, hard money facts], we don't have the upper hand in negotiating."
"Silence can be a very powerful negotiation tool, mainly because it allows you to react in a way that eliminates much of the emotion from the conversation."
"One of the most potent ways to increase the amount you’re offered is to simply make a counter-offer when you’re presented with the first salary number." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 16, 2025 • 9min
3355: 7 Things You Will Never Regret Spending Money On by Jennifer of SimplyFiercely on Intentional Spending
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 3355:
Jennifer explores seven thoughtful investments that consistently pay off in the long run from personal growth to practical tools that save time and stress. Her insights challenge the guilt often tied to spending, encouraging more intentional choices that align with your values and enhance everyday life.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/7-things-you-will-never-regret-spending-money-on/
Quotes to ponder:
"You’ll never regret spending money on things that help you grow as a person."
"Spending money to save time and energy isn't lazy, it's strategic."
"When you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else, so make your choices count."
Episode references:
Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 16, 2025 • 12min
3354: Life Is a Triangle. Master Its 3 Points to Live a Kick-A** Existence by Charlie Brown of Simple and Straightforward
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 3354:
Charlie Brown outlines a refreshingly simple but powerful framework for designing a fulfilling life by mastering three key areas, personal finance, meaningful work, and intentional living. By rethinking your money habits, rejecting uninspired career norms, and embracing simplicity, you build a sturdy foundation for freedom, joy, and authenticity in everyday life.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/better-advice/life-is-a-triangle-master-its-3-points-to-live-a-kick-ass-existence-821b340b0c71
Quotes to ponder:
"Once you have an aim, the mechanics of personal finance suddenly look a lot more appealing."
"The day I realized there is another way was the day my working life started to slot into place."
"Simple living is the long-ass line at the bottom, the foundation of it all."
Episode references:
Tim Denning article quote (source site): https://timdenning.com
Theodore Roosevelt quote: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/777-nothing-in-the-world-is-worth-having-or-worth-doing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 15, 2025 • 9min
3353: 4 Common Mistakes That Investors Make by Tony with MoneyMiniBlog on Smart 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 3353:
Tony outlines common investing pitfalls that trip up even the most well-intentioned investors, from emotional trading to lack of diversification. With straightforward tips and reminders, he encourages readers to adopt a steady, informed approach that leads to long-term wealth and financial resilience.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/lists/common-investing-mistakes/
Quotes to ponder:
"People buy high because of greed and sell low because of fear."
"Successful investors don’t let emotions control their investing decisions."
"It’s better to invest for the long haul and let the market do what it does."
Episode references:
Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612681131
The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing: https://www.amazon.com/Bogleheads-Guide-Investing-Taylor-Larimore/dp/1118921283
The Intelligent Investor: https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Investor-Definitive-Value-Investing/dp/0060555661 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 14, 2025 • 11min
3352: Facing and Fighting Financial Trolls by J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly on Financial Resilience
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 3352:
J.D. Roth exposes the two-headed beast of financial trolls, those external voices that discourage your progress, and the internal ones that sabotage it from within. By naming these voices and providing clear strategies to silence them, he empowers readers to protect their mindset, build confidence, and finally start using money as the tool it’s meant to be.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/facing-and-fighting-financial-trolls/
Quotes to ponder:
"A financial troll is a close cousin to the forum troll, except that financial trolls strive to sabotage your financial pursuits."
"Money is more about mind than it is about math."
"Complainers are poisonous."
Episode references:
FIRE the Haters by Jillian Johnsrud: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Haters-Finding-Courage-Critical/dp/1736549820 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 13, 2025 • 8min
3351: What Makes a Roth IRA So Great? by Philip Taylor of PT Money on Tax-Free Savings
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 3351:
Philip Taylor explains how the Roth IRA offers powerful tax advantages for retirement savers, especially those who want more flexibility, investment control, and tax-free withdrawals. Unlike traditional accounts, Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning you can withdraw both your contributions and earnings tax-free in retirement, making it a smart option for many earners seeking long-term growth and financial security.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/what-is-a-roth-ira-and-how-does-it-work/
Quotes to ponder:
"A Roth IRA is taxed just the opposite of the Traditional IRA and 401K."
"Taxes can really eat into your investment earnings."
"A Roth IRA is an excellent tool to help you save more money for your retirement."
Episode references:
IRS Roth IRA Rules: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras
Vanguard Roth IRA: https://investor.vanguard.com/ira/roth-ira Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 12, 2025 • 10min
3350: Dollar Cost Averaging by Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich on Smart and Steady 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 3350:
Ramit Sethi breaks down dollar-cost averaging as a smart way to invest consistently over time without trying to time the market. He explains how this strategy can protect against volatility, while also comparing it to lump-sum investing, which often yields higher returns, but not without emotional trade-offs. Sethi also provides a practical guide for building an index fund portfolio from scratch, even on a limited budget.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/dollar-cost-averaging/
Quotes to ponder:
"Investing isn’t a race, you don’t need a perfect asset allocation tomorrow."
“Your asset allocation determines how much money you invest in different areas.”
“Spend less than you make and invest the difference.”
Episode references:
VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vtsax
Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vfifx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 11, 2025 • 11min
3349: Room For Error by Jesse Cramer of BestInterest on Financial Planning and Resilience
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 3349:
Jesse Cramer unpacks the underestimated power of "room for error" as a life and investing strategy, drawing insights from Morgan Housel, Charlie Munger, and Howard Marks. Instead of chasing peak performance, Cramer advocates for avoiding disaster, building resilience, and prioritizing consistency, especially when stress can derail even the best-laid plans.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bestinterest.blog/room-for-error/
Quotes to ponder:
"In investing and in life, prioritize avoidance of terrible situations."
"Room for error lets you stick around long enough to let the odds of benefiting from a low-probability outcome fall in your favor."
"Invest! Harness the power of humanity’s economic engine and compound returns."
Episode references:
The Power of Inversion: https://fs.blog/inversion/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 10, 2025 • 11min
3348: [Part 2] Spend Less - Live More by Leif of Physician On Fire on Intentional Spending and Lifestyle Design
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 3348:
Leif challenges the conventional link between income and happiness by highlighting how mindful spending and intentional living can lead to greater freedom, satisfaction, and emotional well-being. Drawing on research, personal experience, and the FIRE movement, he illustrates how spending less, while counterintuitive in a consumer-driven culture, can actually unlock more time, autonomy, and joy.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.physicianonfire.com/spend-less-live-more/
Quotes to ponder:
"High income buys life satisfaction but not happiness."
"The things you own end up owning you. It’s only after you lose everything that you’re free to do anything."
"A dollar spent is a dollar not saved or invested."
Episode references:
High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being (Kahneman & Deaton, 2010): https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107
You Need a Budget (YNAB): https://www.youneedabudget.com/
Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going): https://www.going.com/
Personal Capital (now Empower): https://www.empower.com/
Mint: https://mint.intuit.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
