

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, 2024 • 9min
2950: The Power of Doing Just ONE Thing by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Financial 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 2950:Focusing on just one powerful financial habit, like maxing out retirement contributions or paying off a mortgage, can lead to significant wealth over time. J. Money emphasizes that simplicity, not complexity, drives financial success it's about taking consistent, impactful action.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/power-doing-one-financial-thing/Quotes to ponder:“Sometimes simple isn’t easy, but it can change your life.”“Focus on one thing and master it; wealth will follow.”“There’s no wizardry to wealth just big, simple steps taken with persistence.”Episode references:The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/1589795474The Automatic Millionaire: https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Millionaire-One-Step-Financial/dp/0767923820I Will Teach You to Be Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Teach-You-Be-Rich/dp/0761147489The Richest Man in Babylon: https://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Babylon-George-Clason/dp/0451205367Essentialism: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2024 • 11min
2949: Am I Too Old to Invest with a Roth IRA AND Budgeting - An Easier, Smarter Way by Philip Taylor of PTMoney
Is it too late to start a Roth IRA at 46? Not at all! Discover the flexibility and growth potential this retirement account offers. Plus, dive into a straightforward budgeting strategy that prioritizes fixed expenses first, making it easier to manage discretionary spending. Every dollar counts, and mastering your budget can significantly enhance your financial health. With practical tips and insights, you'll feel empowered to take control of your financial future.

Nov 25, 2024 • 9min
2948: [Part 2] Does Money Buy Happiness? by Ryan of Arrest Your Debt on Mindfulness & 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 2948:Ryan from ArrestYourDebt.com reveals how companies profit from our constant dissatisfaction, urging a mindset shift for greater happiness and financial freedom. He emphasizes investing in experiences over material items, nurturing meaningful memories, and giving to others to elevate personal joy and purpose.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://arrestyourdebt.com/money-can-buy-happiness/Quotes to ponder:"Businesses and marketers take full advantage of our discontentment.""Experiences have an amazing way of making us happy and keeping us happy for a longer period of time.""This life is about living and giving - the more you give, the happier you will be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2024 • 9min
2947: [Part 1] Does Money Buy Happiness? by Ryan of Arrest Your Debt on Ideal Income for Life Satisfaction
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 2947:Ryan of ArrestYourDebt.com explores the complex relationship between wealth and happiness, revealing that money can indeed increase happiness but only up to a point. With $75,000 as a benchmark for optimal satisfaction, the post emphasizes that while financial stability meets basic needs, further income brings diminishing returns, highlighting the role of contentment and perspective in true well-being.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://arrestyourdebt.com/money-can-buy-happiness/Quotes to ponder:"Money CAN buy happiness! It’s true, the amount of money you make directly corresponds to your amount of happiness! But only up to a certain point.""The truth is, we will never have enough money if we don’t focus on being content with what we have.""Human beings are very adaptive in nature, which is a primary cause for our overall discontentment." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2024 • 11min
2946: In Defense of Downsizing: 4 Reasons a Smaller Home is the Right Size by Rose Lounsbury 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 2946:Rose Lounsbury reveals why living in a modestly sized home isn’t a sacrifice but a powerful way to gain financial freedom, cleaner spaces, stronger family bonds, and a head start on simplifying life. With a warm, relatable approach, she shares how downsizing can transform your living environment and mindset.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roselounsbury.com/defense-downsizing-4-reasons-smaller-home-might-just-right-fit/Quotes to ponder:"The problem wasn’t the size of our house, it was the quantity of our stuff.""A little elbow rubbing on the couch makes for good memories down the road and being able to keep a closer eye on our kids can prevent a whole host of problems during the teenage years.""Life is nothing more than constant growth and change. In order to grow and change to our full potential, we must let go of the things that no longer support who we are." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 23, 2024 • 10min
2945: Taking Big Dumb Risks by Chris Reining on Financial Independence and Stock Market 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 2945:When we’re young, we take risks without thinking twice often because we get lucky and don't face the consequences. Chris Reining’s story of riding a crocodile and navigating stock market highs serves as a metaphor for the fine line between luck and sound decision-making. He argues for investing wisely, understanding the difference between price and value, and never risking more than what you need to achieve financial independence.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/big-dumb-risks/Quotes to ponder:"Just because you didn’t get hurt doing something dumb doesn’t mean you didn’t take a big risk and get away with it.""Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.""It’s easy to feel jealous when you see other investors getting rich fast, but remember, just because someone didn’t get hurt doesn’t mean they didn’t take a big dumb risk." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 2024 • 12min
2944: According to Science, Spending Your Money in These 6 Ways Can Make You Happier by Charlie Brown
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 2944:Charlie Brown highlights research-backed ways to use money for greater happiness. From spending in alignment with your personality and opting for frequent small treats, to prioritizing experiences and investing in flow-inducing activities, these strategies are proven to boost life satisfaction. Giving to others and savoring the anticipation of future events also provide lasting joy.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://themakingofamillionaire.com/according-to-science-spending-your-money-in-these-6-ways-can-make-you-happier-6348c9772bfdQuotes to ponder:"People whose purchases better match their personality report higher levels of life satisfaction.""Frequent small treats will make you happier than big splurges because we are less likely to adapt to small experiences.""Science says the emotion of anticipation is even stronger than being in the moment or remembering past pleasures." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 13min
2943: Reflections On Turning 30: From Job Seeker To Corporate Deserter In 10 Years by A Purple Life
Explore a decade of transformation from a fearful job seeker to a confident individual leaving corporate life. Discover the emptiness behind corporate ambitions and the newfound joy of personal fulfillment. Learn about the value of time spent with loved ones and the importance of defining success on your own terms. Reflect on the journey from high-pressure jobs to meaningful impact, aligning work with personal values. The narrative inspires listeners to prioritize happiness and life experiences over a conventional career path.

Nov 20, 2024 • 9min
2942: Retire Early with Parkinson's Law by Joel of 5AMJoel on How to Achieve Early Retirement
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 2942:Joel of 5AMJoel.com explores how Parkinson’s Law “work expands to fill the time available for its completion” can be leveraged to achieve early retirement. By taking control of your time, as illustrated through a simple office scenario, Joel emphasizes that the duration of your career is ultimately determined by how efficiently you complete necessary tasks. Mastering focus, eliminating distractions, and structuring work intentionally can enable a dramatically different life path.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://5amjoel.com/retire-early-parkinsons-law/Quotes to ponder:"Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.""Sally eliminated distractions to focus on her 10 tasks only.""If we truly believe that time is 100% within our control, we can choose how long we want our career to be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 10min
2941: 7 Ways to Save on Heating Costs This Winter by Hilary with Money Mini Blog on Energy-Saving Habits
Learn how to trim your heating bills this winter with smart strategies. Lowering your thermostat and wearing warm clothing can lead to significant savings. Discover how reducing drafts can save you 5 to 30 percent on energy costs. Plus, find out how a programmable thermostat can maximize your home’s efficiency. Small habit changes can add up, potentially saving you over $100. Don’t forget to reach out to your utility provider for free energy assessments to uncover more ways to save!