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 1, 2024 • 9min
2920: 3 Steps to Help You Get Financially Unstuck by Jaime of Keep Thrifty on Personal Finance 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 2920:Feeling financially stuck often comes from living according to external pressures, but Jaime shares how questioning assumptions, experimenting with lifestyle changes, and taking action can lead to financial freedom. By simplifying their lives, selling unused possessions, and reassessing their spending, Jaime and Chris created a path to flexibility, travel, and meaningful work. These practical steps offer a blueprint for anyone wanting to align their money with their values and dreams.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/get-unstuck-financially/Quotes to ponder:"It wasn’t until we became a family of five that we realized we were broken. We had a nice home and a good job but we found ourselves unhappy.""Once we created this vision, a vision that aligned with our own values, we found the strength to question more.""After asking ourselves all those questions we realized that we wanted to simplify our life and make room for our dreams." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 31, 2024 • 11min
2919: How Retirement Is Like College (And Why I Love Both) by A Purple Life on Financial Independence & Travel
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 2919:In her reflective piece, A Purple Life explores how both retirement and college offered her the ultimate freedom to control her time and activities. She draws parallels between the stillness, constant learning, and community of both phases but concludes that retirement, with the added benefit of financial security and self-direction, is even better than her college days. This comparison highlights the joys of autonomy and a balanced life.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurplelife.com/2023/07/11/retirement-is-like-college/Quotes to ponder:"Now I’ve started doing nothing again in retirement. It was so peaceful.""Learning makes me happy and being able to follow my curiosity wherever it takes me is a wonderful gift." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 30, 2024 • 9min
2918: You Should Talk About Money by Robyn Goldfarb of A Dime Saved on Money & Relationships
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 2918:Talking about money has long been considered taboo, but Robyn Goldfarb challenges this notion by sharing her experience of how liberating it can be to discuss financial struggles openly. By removing the stigma surrounding money, we can foster support and understanding among friends. Goldfarb emphasizes that self-worth shouldn’t be tied to financial status, and encourages creating an atmosphere of openness without judgment when addressing money with others.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://adimesaved.com/talk-about-moneyQuotes to ponder:"I was so used to conflating my money or lack thereof with my own self-worth as if it was my fault that I was unemployed.""It was considered 'socially-off' actually to ADMIT something like that. The words 'I can’t afford it' were one of the most embarrassing things to say.""Once we realized that we were in the same boat, we were able to support each other." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 29, 2024 • 11min
2917: Why I Budget (And Why You Don't Have To) by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog on Budgeting & Personal Finances
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 2917:Kalen Bruce explains why budgeting works for some but isn't necessary for everyone. While he personally finds value in budgeting for freedom and peace of mind, he acknowledges that many people can succeed without a budget if they prioritize key financial habits like saving for retirement, securing insurance, and preparing for large expenses. The choice comes down to what works best for your financial goals and lifestyle.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/budgeting/why-i-budget-and-why-you-dont-have-toQuotes to ponder:"I budget for the sake of freedom. I know that I can buy everything in my budget, when I spend every cent on paper before the month starts.""If you will set these things to automatically come off the top of your income, you will be set up for success, and you can freely spend the rest of your money on whatever you want.""You may hate budgeting. If so, welcome to the majority!"Episode references:Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden: https://www.amazon.com/Procrastinate-Purpose-Doing-Multiply-Time/dp/0399170634 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 28, 2024 • 10min
2916: Don’t Sweat Petty Stuff, and Don’t Pet Sweaty Stuff by Dave of Accidental Fire on Financial Independence
Learn how focusing on major expenses like housing and transportation can lead to greater financial freedom. The speaker shares insights on minimizing costs in substantial areas rather than sweating the small stuff. Discover strategies to avoid lifestyle inflation and maximize savings for long-term wealth. By prioritizing significant financial choices, you can relieve stress and enhance your overall happiness.
Oct 27, 2024 • 12min
2915: Stop Letting Pride Keep You Broke by Andrea Joy of Saving Joyfully on Financial Well-Being
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 2915:Andrea Joy of SavingJoyfully.com explores how pride can sabotage your financial well-being by pushing you to make unnecessary purchases to please others or fit in. By understanding your motivations and embracing your unique worth, you can shift from chasing material validation to achieving financial freedom and inner contentment.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://savingjoyfully.com/blog/stop-letting-pride-keep-you-brokeQuotes to ponder:"Your worth IS NOT in the money you have, the car you drive, a career you have, clothes you wear, or even in how you look.""Pride will keep you broke. You will always struggle financially because you will always find something else that you need to fulfill a new unmet desire.""Learn to define healthy and unhealthy spending habits so that you can easily determine if a purchase should be made." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 27, 2024 • 11min
2914: Do Your Preferences for a Romantic Partner Influence Your Actual Choice of Romantic Partner by Dr. Lorne Campbell with Luvz
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 2914:Dr. Lorne Campbell explores whether people's preferences for a romantic partner predict their actual relationship choices. Research shows that while preferences often align with descriptions or ideals, they don't consistently match who we are drawn to in real-life interactions. This gap in understanding offers a valuable opportunity for future studies, suggesting that romantic preferences may be less influential than we think in forming lasting relationships.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.luvze.com/do-your-preferences-for-a-romantic-partner-influence-your-actual-choice-of-romantic-partner/Quotes to ponder:"People’s preferences for a romantic partner predict how much they like written descriptions of other people, but not how much they like actual people after meeting them.""A study that uses self-reports of behavior as a proxy for actual behavior is only as informative as the existing knowledge of the association between the two.""We know a lot about people’s preferences for future romantic partners, but we know very little about how these preferences influence people’s decisions to begin romantic relationships." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2024 • 10min
2913: This Money Belief Is What Keeps Many People In Debt by Kelley Long of Financial Finesse
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 2913:Kelley Long explores how a common money belief spending based on what you can afford instead of what you truly need can keep people in debt. She highlights how small, seemingly insignificant decisions, like choosing convenience over saving money, reflect a mindset that often leads to financial struggle, regardless of income. Her personal journey from paycheck-to-paycheck living to financial stability shows the power of shifting one's approach to spending and saving.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2018/11/06/this-money-belief-is-what-keeps-many-people-in-debt/Quotes to ponder:"Every dollar I don’t spend today is a dollar that can help me stop working sooner.""Spending according to what you need. It’s a mindset.""Just because you can squeeze $450/month out of your budget in order to make a car payment doesn’t mean you need that nice of a car." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 25, 2024 • 11min
2912: 8 Tips on How to Move to Your Next House on a Budget 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 2912:Lisa Harrison offers eight practical strategies to help you move to a new home without straining your finances. From researching moving costs to selling unneeded belongings and sticking to a budget, these tips can make a potentially stressful process more manageable and affordable. Whether you’re buying or renting, careful planning can turn the challenge of moving into a smooth, cost-efficient transition to your new home.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2022/07/26/8-tips-on-how-to-move-to-your-next-house-on-a-budget/Quotes to ponder:"Moving on a tight budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort - it just requires resourcefulness and strategic planning.""You never know; you might actually be able to make some money from your old things.""As long as you know your budget and stick to it, you can move with as little stress as possible and be able to enjoy your new home."Episode references:Goodwill: https://www.goodwill.orgSalvation Army: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 24, 2024 • 10min
2911: [Part 2] Starting to Save for Retirement at 40 by William Cowie with Get Rich Slowly on 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 2911:William Cowie explains how, even starting at 40, you can build a secure retirement by working harder and considering less passive investments like real estate. His advice includes serious budgeting, debt elimination, and potentially taking on a second job to catch up. While it won't be easy, Cowie emphasizes that there is always hope and a path to financial independence, no matter when you begin.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/starting-to-save-for-retirement-at-40/Quotes to ponder:"It’s never too late to start, but the later you begin, the harder the work.""Life isn’t always kind nor is it predictable but we don’t have to make it harder for someone else.""If you’re getting a late start, you’re likely going to need to make a dramatic change to catch up."Episode references:Catching Up to FI: https://www.catchinguptofi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
