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
Sep 19, 2024 • 9min
2871: How To Feel Richer + Fancier Without Spending Any More Money by Sarah Von Bargen of Yes and Yes
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 2871:Sarah Von Bargen offers a refreshing approach to feeling richer and more luxurious without spending extra money by fully utilizing what you already own. From uncovering hidden benefits of subscriptions to mastering the features of your gadgets and maximizing your living space, she shares practical tips that help you appreciate and make the most out of what you have, leading to a greater sense of abundance and satisfaction.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.yesandyes.org/2018/07/how-to-feel-richer.htmlQuotes to ponder:"Buying stuff isn’t always about The Stuff itself. It’s often about boredom, novelty, or wanting to ‘treat’ ourselves.""You’re paying for this stuff already. Why not get your money’s worth?""Every time we take a damn second before we make an impulse purchase, we’re making it more likely that we’ll take a damn second next time, too." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 18, 2024 • 11min
2870: How Can I Avoid Paying PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)? by Laurie Sepulveda of Women Who Money
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 2870:When saving for a home, it's often challenging to reach that 20% down payment needed to avoid PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). Laurie Sepulveda explores alternatives like "single premium PMI" or using a second mortgage, while also weighing the risks and benefits of these options. Whether it's finding a fixer-upper or rethinking your budget, she emphasizes the importance of personalizing your financial decisions to fit your situation.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/avoid-paying-pmi/Quotes to ponder:“Just be honest with yourself about what you can genuinely afford before you sign on for a mortgage that will be with you for many years to come.”“PMI is insurance the homeowner pays in exchange for a smaller down payment. This insurance protects the lender - in case you stop making mortgage payments.”“Buying a house with less than 20% down means you’ll have a higher mortgage payment and you'll pay more in total interest.”Episode references:The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 17, 2024 • 11min
2869: 6 Ways to Apply Decluttering Principles to Your Finances by Emily Guy Birken with Becoming Minimalist
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 2869:Emily Guy Birken outlines six strategies to declutter your finances using principles from minimalism. By focusing on what truly matters, eliminating unnecessary expenses, and regularly checking your finances, you can achieve a more stress-free and controlled financial life. These simple yet effective approaches align with both minimalist living and sound money management.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/6-ways-to-apply-decluttering-principles-to-your-finances/Quotes to ponder:"Choosing to spend on the things you value makes it easier to let go of the things you don’t.""Trying to track your spending when you spend more than you can afford is just another way of organizing clutter.""Give every dollar you earn a home by planning where your money will go with every paycheck." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 16, 2024 • 13min
2868: Side Hustles Aren’t A Necessity - But They Can Change Your Life by Kevin of Financial Panther on Extra Income
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 2868:Kevin from FinancialPanther.com explores the value of side hustles, acknowledging the valid criticisms but emphasizing the potential life-changing benefits of consistent effort, even in small amounts. He suggests that while side hustles aren't essential for financial success, they offer an accessible way to accelerate wealth-building and personal growth over time.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://financialpanther.com/side-hustles-arent-a-necessity-but-they-can-change-your-life/Quotes to ponder:"You don’t have to side hustle to meet your financial goals. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you. But they can change your life eventually.""An hour a day can really change your life. Even earning small amounts of extra money per day and investing it all can change your future.""Small amounts, day by day, all add up. It’s not fast. It’s not glamorous. But it works."Episode references:Real Vision: https://www.realvision.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 15, 2024 • 12min
2867: The Rabbit Hole of Stuff: Why We Can’t Buy Our Way to Happiness by Leah McLellan with Tiny Buddha
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 2867:Leah McLellan's reflection on her journey through materialism reveals the illusion of happiness that comes with accumulating "stuff." She shares how the pursuit of material possessions distracted her from her true goals, leading her down a path of dissatisfaction. Ultimately, McLellan underscores the importance of focusing on personal growth and meaningful goals rather than being consumed by the temporary allure of material things.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/stuff-we-dont-need-and-5-reasons-why-it-doesnt-lead-to-happiness/Quotes to ponder:“Happiness can only be found if you free yourself from all other distractions.”“The stuff you can buy is a distraction that won’t help you reach your goals.”“Stuff creates a false sense of self.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 15, 2024 • 13min
2866: Making Friends in Retirement (And Before) by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement 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 2866:Making friends as you age can be challenging, especially in retirement when the social structures of work and family life are no longer as prominent. Kathleen Coxwell highlights the importance of forging new connections, emphasizing that a lack of social interaction can lead to loneliness, which has significant health risks. She offers practical tips for making friends in retirement, such as pursuing hobbies, volunteering, and using friendship apps, all while reminding us that investing time and being a good friend are key to building meaningful relationships.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/making-friends-after-retirement/Quotes to ponder:"Researchers have found mounting evidence linking loneliness to physical illness and to functional and cognitive decline.""Friendships feel organic and magical, but when you boil it down, they actually take investments of time."Episode references:Bumble BFF: https://bumble.com/bffNextdoor: https://nextdoor.comMeetup: https://www.meetup.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 14, 2024 • 10min
2865: [Part 2] Traditional Retirement Is Dying. This Is How I’m Preparing for a Future Without It. by U-Ming Lee
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 2865:U-Ming Lee highlights the pitfalls of chasing short-term trends and emphasizes the value of building deep expertise in a specific niche for long-term success. He also underscores the importance of developing social skills and community ties to navigate the changing landscape of retirement and life’s challenges.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://themakingofamillionaire.com/traditional-retirement-is-dying-this-is-how-im-preparing-for-a-future-without-it-45829394ed3dQuotes to ponder:"Flitting from one trend to the next in search of the dopamine rush of a viral article is a lot of fun at first. But it is no basis for a long-term writing career.""Deep expertise, built on a foundation of meticulous thought and substantial real-world experience, is much rarer and thus more prized.""Developing social skills will be crucial as we navigate this new 'no retirement' age." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 13, 2024 • 10min
2864: [Part 1] Traditional Retirement Is Dying. This Is How I’m Preparing for a Future Without It. by U-Ming Lee
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 2864:U-Ming Lee challenges the outdated concept of traditional retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning for a future where stopping work at a predetermined age is unrealistic. He advocates for simple life insurance plans and building a career on substantive work rather than following trends, preparing for a dynamic and unpredictable financial future.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://themakingofamillionaire.com/traditional-retirement-is-dying-this-is-how-im-preparing-for-a-future-without-it-45829394ed3dQuotes to ponder:"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.""Stick to a simple life insurance plan that you can understand and resist the urge to add too many features.""Purchasing life insurance is a no-brainer, think of life insurance premiums as putting money aside for a rainy day - something you want to set and forget." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 12, 2024 • 11min
2863: 8 Tips to Cope with the Rising Cost of Living by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster on Budgeting
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 2863:Lisa Harrison of MadMoneyMonster.com shares practical strategies to help individuals navigate the rising cost of living. From creating a budget to finding additional sources of income, her advice empowers readers to manage their finances more effectively and reduce their expenses during these challenging times.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2022/07/18/8-tips-to-cope-with-the-rising-cost-of-living/Quotes to ponder:"It's important to remember that we’re all in this together.""The cost of living in the US has risen by 14% over the past three years, and around 71% of Americans claim their paycheck is not enough to match the current levels of inflation.""We can’t control how much things cost, but we can control how we respond to it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 11, 2024 • 12min
2862: How to Achieve Long-Term Financial Goals by Honey Smith of Get Rich Slowly 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 2862:Honey Smith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and planning for long-term financial goals, stressing the need for setting achievable mini-goals and maintaining motivation through personal finance buddies. By breaking down complex objectives and fostering accountability, individuals can stay on track and make meaningful progress toward financial stability.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/how-to-achieve-long-term-financial-goals/Quotes to ponder:"Knowing what is most important to you can help clarify and tailor your short-term decisions to meet that goal.""Instead of giving up, however, I set my goals a different way.""It isn’t very motivating to be told that the other person is awesome and you suck!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
