

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

Jul 5, 2024 • 10min
2784: How To Retire Rich Without Lighting The World On Fire by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster
Lisa Harrison, founder of Mad Money Monster, shares her journey to financial independence and dispels the myth that it's only for the wealthy. She emphasizes that anyone can achieve wealth by living below their means and avoiding debt. Practical strategies include increasing income, practicing frugality, and smart asset purchases. Harrison encourages listeners to stop comparing themselves to others and focus on building a stable financial future through realistic and actionable steps.

Jul 4, 2024 • 11min
2783: Is an Annuity the Worst Investment a Young Person Can Make? by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents
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 2783:Jeff Rose explains why annuities, typically seen as suitable for older individuals, may not be the best investment for young people due to their limited growth potential and penalties for early withdrawal. While annuities might provide some benefits within a diversified portfolio, Rose emphasizes the superior advantages of Roth IRAs and 401(k)s for young investors.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/should-you-buy-annuity/Quotes to ponder:"One of the best things that my mom ever did for me as a young adult was to start an investment strategy for me.""Why does a 24-year-old need a fixed annuity? Turns out it was a very legitimate question.""If you’re young and don’t mind some fluctuation in your investments, it’s hard for me to make the case that an annuity makes sense." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2024 • 10min
2782: What is Wealth? by Ashley Kipp with Get Rich Slowly on Saving Money & Personal Finance
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 2782:Ashley Kipp's insightful exploration of wealth challenges the conventional focus on material possessions and financial assets, urging us to recognize and appreciate the abundant, non-monetary sources of wealth in our lives. From health and home to friendships and spirit, this redefinition enriches our understanding of true prosperity and fulfillment.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/what-is-wealth/Quotes to ponder:"Wealth can be and is so much more than for what our basic thought process allows.""My heart feels full. That, to me, is worth far more than anything that any sort of money can give me.""Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings counting your troubles." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2, 2024 • 12min
2781: More Is Less - Why I'm Going On A No Buy by Helene Massicotte of Free To Pursue on Frugality
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 2781:Helene Massicotte shares her journey of realizing that more possessions lead to less satisfaction and appreciation. By adopting a "no buy" approach for seven months, she aims to reclaim her time, focus on meaningful activities, and find contentment in less, transforming her consumption habits and rediscovering the joy in simplicity.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.freetopursue.com/blog/2018/1/28/more-is-lessQuotes to ponder:"The reality is that, in general, the more we have: the more we want, the less we appreciate each additional belonging, and the less grateful and happy we are with what we have, both new and old.""I started to better understand why hoarders do what they do. That emotional connection with the act of acquiring can be intoxicating and it can be a great distraction from what else we might be feeling about our lives.""I’m hoping this 7-month 'NO BUY' will help me return to my regular lifestyle, including my baseline level of appreciation for just how lucky we are to live in constant abundance and that I don't need much of anything I don't already have to be content."Episode references:The Little Prince: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Prince-Antoine-Saint-Exup%C3%A9ry/dp/0156012197 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 2024 • 10min
2780: Why I Like Spending Plan Better than Budget by Miranda Marquit with PT Money 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 2780:Miranda Marquit explains why she prefers the term "spending plan" over "budget" due to the negative connotations associated with restriction and limitation. By using a spending plan, she emphasizes proactive financial planning that prioritizes funding essentials while allowing flexibility and control in other spending areas, fostering a more positive and purposeful approach to managing money.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/spending-plan-budget/Quotes to ponder:"Rather than thinking, 'I can’t only do this much this month,' as a budget encourages you to think, a spending plan allows you to say, 'I’m going to do this with my money.'""I prefer to use the phrase 'spending plan.' It seems to convey a better sense of control and purpose.""With the budget mindset, money is always scarce. A spending plan, though, indicates that you have some sort of direction and purpose for (at least some of) your spending." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30, 2024 • 14min
2779: Bucket Your Money by Jesse Cramer of Best Interest on Budgeting & 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 2779:An easy way to level up your finances is to bucket your money, a method that Jesse Cramer of BestInterest.blog details. By dividing your liquid net worth into different buckets based on timelines and risk levels, you can create a financial plan that is both objective and adaptable to your life goals. This approach simplifies investment decisions, ensuring that short-term needs are met with low-risk investments while long-term goals benefit from higher-risk, higher-reward assets.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bestinterest.blog/bucket-your-money/Quotes to ponder:"An easy way to level up your finances is to bucket your money.""Short-term buckets should be invested in a low- or no-risk manner. Long-term buckets should be invested with more risk, pursuing more reward.""Feel free to tweak your buckets. But maintain the overall idea." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30, 2024 • 10min
2778: How to Reprogram Your Brain for Health, Wealth, and Happiness by the NeuroGym Team of MyNeuroGym
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 2778:Discover how to reprogram your brain for health, wealth, and happiness with techniques like creative visualization, subliminal messages, and positive affirmations. The NeuroGym Team explains how these methods can transform your subconscious mind, helping you overcome limiting beliefs and achieve your goals.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://blog.myneurogym.com/how-to-reprogram-your-brainQuotes to ponder:"Your thoughts and belief system make up the software that runs your life. The way you experience the world around you is a reflection of your inner belief system.""Change your thoughts, and you change your destiny.""Affirmations are proven methods of goal achievement because of their ability to rewire our brains."Episode references:You Can Heal Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/dp/0937611018Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior: https://www.amazon.com/Subliminal-Your-Unconscious-Mind-Behavior/dp/0307472256 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 29, 2024 • 10min
2777: How My Partner Convinced Me To Retire Early by A Purple Life on FIRE Lifestyle & Financial Independence
A Purple Life shares their inspiring journey toward embracing the FIRE movement, initially met with resistance but transformed through open communication with their partner. They describe a pivotal conversation that reshaped their financial goals and lifestyle preferences, ultimately aiming for retirement at just 30. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience and collaboration in a relationship when pursuing ambitious financial independence dreams. Tips from the FIRE community and useful tools like Monarch money also come into play!

Jun 28, 2024 • 9min
2776: When to Start Working With a Financial Planner - If Ever by Kathleen Coxwell of New 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 2776:Working with a financial planner can significantly enhance your financial security and retirement happiness. Kathleen Coxwell discusses the key benefits, such as turning aspirations into achievable goals, creating strategic plans, and staying on track. Whether you're just starting or already managing your investments, professional advice or alternative tools can help optimize your financial future.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/when-to-start-working-with-a-financial-planner-if-ever/Quotes to ponder:"Turning your retirement aspirations into solid goals that you can achieve is easier said than done.""A financial planner can help you feel about two times more secure about your finances compared to those who go it alone.""Retirement calculators can be a very effective way of establishing a retirement plan."Episode references:Safeguard Investment Advisory Group LLC: https://safeguardinvestment.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 27, 2024 • 10min
2775: [Part 2] 9 Simple Ways for Frugal People To Embrace a More Minimalist Lifestyle by Robyn of A Dime Saved
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 2775:Robyn from ADimeSaved.com shares practical tips for frugal individuals looking to embrace minimalism. Learn how a capsule wardrobe, digital media, and investing in experiences can save money and simplify life, while fostering a mindset of appreciation and intentional living.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://adimesaved.com/9-simple-ways-for-frugal-people-to-embrace-a-more-minimalist-lifestyleQuotes to ponder:"A capsule wardrobe means buying a few quality pieces that all work with each other and fit your style.""Shifting your thinking towards appreciating what you currently have vs. what you could have is a major move.""Using the money saved from buying less and using less can mean more money to actually go on that yearly family vacation."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