

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

Aug 8, 2024 • 9min
2823: 7 Reasons Why I Drive a 17 Year Old Car by Jen Hayes on Financial Habits for Building 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 2823:Jen Hayes shares her practical reasons for driving a 17-year-old car, highlighting how it saves money, reduces stress, and aligns with her goal of financial freedom. Her approach emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding debt over the desire for a flashy, new vehicle.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me//17-reasons-why-drive-old-car/Quotes to ponder:"It’s what most people would consider embarrassing. Some people think I’m crazy for continuing to drive this vehicle, but here are seven reasons why I do it.""My car might be 'embarrassing' to some, but this old car is part of the reason why we’ll be debt-free someday.""Live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later."Episode references:Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University: https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/financial-peace-university-classThe Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474The Total Money Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/0785289089 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2024 • 11min
2822: Is a Gym Membership Worth it or a Waste of Money? by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock on Financial 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 2822:Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock explore whether a gym membership is a wise investment or a financial burden. They weigh the benefits, like diverse fitness options and additional perks, against potential drawbacks, such as unused memberships and financial strain. This insightful analysis helps you make an informed decision about your fitness expenses.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/gym-memberships-waste-money/Quotes to ponder:"With an average monthly membership fee of about $60, paying for your workouts may not seem like a budget-busting expense.""But some reports state almost 70% of memberships go unused after the first few months.""If you aren't sure you'll use the gym frequently, there are plenty of other options for you to consider."Episode references:NPR article: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/01/14/261393781/why-does-the-gym-cost-so-muchStatista: https://www.statista.com/topics/1141/health-and-fitness-clubs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6, 2024 • 9min
2821: 6 Principles The Best Investors Use to Crush The Market by Phil Town on Investment 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 2821:Phil Town shares six timeless principles from the Rule #1 strategy that top investors like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger use to achieve outstanding market returns. These principles emphasize rational decision-making, deep business understanding, investing in companies you believe in, waiting for market opportunities, reducing risk through basis reduction, and developing a comprehensive investment thesis. Discover how these strategies can transform your investment approach and help you achieve financial success.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ruleoneinvesting.com/blog/investing-news-and-tips/6-principles-the-best-investors-use-to-crush-the-market/Quotes to ponder:"Rule #1 states 'Don’t lose money,' and these 6 principles are always on my mind to help me avoid violating that critical rule.""Fear of losing more than you can afford to lose tends to make the mind go irrational. You start guessing.""Love what you own. Put your money where your values are." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 2024 • 10min
2820: Why Do I Have 7 Surfboards Operation Declutter by Joel of 5AM Joel on Intentional Living
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 2820:Joel from 5AMJoel.com shares his journey of decluttering and realizing the unnecessary abundance of items like his 10 surfboards. He emphasizes the benefits of minimalism, reducing decisions, and implementing strategies like "one in, one out" to maintain a clutter-free life, ultimately leading to less stress and more intentional living.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://5amjoel.com/7-surfboards-declutter/Quotes to ponder:"It’s time to get rid of some of the crap in my house. I was looking around the other day and noticed the amount of clutter has built up to an uncomfortable level.""With more options comes more decision. And more decisions in life is the exact opposite of what I’m trying to accomplish.""Our lives will be just as happy, if not happier than before. Less decisions, less clutter, less stress." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2024 • 9min
2819: Retirement and Financial Independence Equals Apples and Oranges by Helene Massicotte on Money 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 2819:Helene Massicotte from FreeToPursue.com offers a refreshing perspective on saving, contrasting traditional retirement strategies with the empowering mindset of financial independence. She emphasizes saving not out of fear, but for the freedom and options it provides today, transforming a burdensome duty into a rewarding and joyful activity.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.freetopursue.com/blog/2016/6/22/retirement-and-financial-independence-apples-and-orangesQuotes to ponder:"You save because you like the possibilities the money offers you now.""Saving turns from an obligation to a rewarding activity.""A saving mindset keeps our lifestyle in check by getting us to ask ourselves whether spending the money will really make us better off."Episode references:Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766Mr. Money Mustache Blog: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2024 • 11min
2818: The Reason You May Not be Getting Results & What To Do About It by Nia Shanks on Personal Growth
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 2818:Nia Shanks explores the underlying reasons behind the lack of progress in personal goals and offers actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and adaptability, providing readers with practical tips to achieve consistent and meaningful results.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.niashanks.com/reason-not-getting-results-what-to-do/Quotes to ponder:"It’s easy to get frustrated and feel like you’re failing when progress doesn’t come as quickly as you’d like.""Be kind to yourself, and remember that perfection isn’t the goal - progress is.""It’s okay to adjust your goals and methods as you learn more about what works for you."Episode references:Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299The Slight Edge: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 3, 2024 • 10min
2817: Prioritizing Wants versus Needs AND The Unexpected Emergency Funds Philip Dancy on Financial 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 2817:Philip Dancy's insightful pieces on distinguishing "wants" from "needs" and the importance of emergency funds provide practical advice for financial health. By understanding and prioritizing true needs, you can effectively manage your budget and savings, ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected expenses while still enjoying life’s pleasures.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://dancywithmoney.com/blog/prioritizing-wants-vs-needs & https://dancywithmoney.com/blog/how-to-start-an-emergency-fundQuotes to ponder:"A 'want' is an item or experience that brings you a level of satisfaction that you feel you can’t live without...but you really can!""By taking on unnecessary debt, there is a big chance you may fall into the debt cycle.""It took me almost two years to get my emergency savings to 6 months."Episode references:EconoMe Conference: https://www.economeconference.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 2, 2024 • 11min
2816: The Most Important Financial Habit AND Why Simple Financial Strategy Works by Derick Van Ness on 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 2816:Derick Van Ness from BigLifeFinancial.com emphasizes the critical role of systematic saving in financial success. He highlights how saving, though not glamorous, is the foundational habit that differentiates the wealthy from those living paycheck to paycheck. Building wealth starts with consistently saving a portion of every income, which enhances financial security and confidence.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.biglifefinancial.com/blog/2017/9/4/the-most-important-financial-habit & https://www.biglifefinancial.com/blog/2019/11/7/why-simple-financial-strategy-worksQuotes to ponder:"Learning to systematically save is literally the difference between people who become incredibly wealthy and those who live paycheck to paycheck.""Before you can build wealth and invest effectively, you must learn to save.""Saving isn't the only component of building wealth, but without it, you’ll never even get out of the parking lot!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024 • 12min
2815: Social Security - Planning For It or Not In Your Future by Amanda of Women Who Money on Retirement 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 2815:Amanda from WomenWhoMoney.com delves into the complexities of Social Security, addressing concerns about its future, how to estimate and maximize benefits, and the impact of potential legislative changes. She emphasizes the importance of proactive retirement planning, suggesting that Social Security should be considered a bonus rather than a primary source of income.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/social-security-planning-your-future/Quotes to ponder:"Depending on your age, Social Security could play a significant role in your retirement finances as you grow older.""The Social Security Board of Trustees expects to be able to pay 100% of benefits through 2035." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024 • 10min
2814: How to Save Money and Still Invest by Christine Sato with JenHayes on Financial 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 2814:Christine Sato, in collaboration with JenHayes.Me, explains how to save money and invest simultaneously, even on a low income. She outlines strategies for building savings for short-term needs and investing for long-term goals, emphasizing the importance of automatic transfers, taking advantage of employer 401(k) matches, and starting early to maximize compound interest.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me//save-money-still-invest/Quotes to ponder:"Saving usually means putting your money into a savings account in a bank for easy access.""The stock market, on the other hand, while unpredictable in the short-term, generally does better than cash over long periods of time and generates greater returns on your money.""Putting aside $25 a week in an IRA, assuming an average return on your investment dollars of 8 percent over 40 years, will result in investments worth about $350,000 when it’s time to retire."Episode references:Investopedia - Roth IRA: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rothira.asp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices