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 2, 2025 • 14min
3339: A Surprising Contender for Tax-Efficient Retirement Saving by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet
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 3339:
Darrow Kirkpatrick challenges conventional retirement advice by showing how a taxable account, when optimized for capital gains and held by low-bracket retirees, can rival the performance of tax-free retirement accounts. His simulations reveal the surprising tax efficiency of these investments, emphasizing the importance of income smoothing and smart asset placement over simply following standard saving strategies.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/surprising-contender-for-tax-efficient-retirement-saving/
Quotes to ponder:
"One secret to successful retirement saving, in addition to getting started, is to avoid paying taxes, especially in high income tax brackets."
"Owning capital-gains-generating securities as much as possible in your taxable accounts can pay off big-time over the long haul, especially if you live in the lower tax brackets."
"While most taxable accounts can’t outperform the average tax-free account, they do have one clear advantage: far fewer rules about what you can and can’t do with your money!"
Episode references:
How to Access Retirement Funds Early: https://www.madfientist.com/how-to-access-retirement-funds-early/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 2, 2025 • 10min
3338: Benefits of Sleep for Weight Loss and Other Fitness Goals by Rachel Trotta on Health, Fitness, and Mindful 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 3338:
Rachel Trotta explores how quality sleep is an often-overlooked pillar of sustainable weight loss, showing how it impacts everything from hunger hormones to emotional decision-making. Learn why improving your sleep could be the most powerful (and underrated) strategy to reduce cravings, increase willpower, and stay consistent with healthy habits.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.racheltrotta.com/self-improvement/benefits-of-sleep-for-weight-loss/
Quotes to ponder:
"Sleep plays a powerful role in setting us up for success with our healthy habits, like food choices and exercise."
"Even a small amount of sleep deprivation can lead to big increases in cravings for calorie-dense foods."
"When you’re chronically tired, your threshold for stress is lower."
Episode references:
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 1, 2025 • 9min
3337: The Lazy Person’s Guide to Money by Jessica Jokisch on Simple and Practical 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 3337:
Jessica Jokisch offers a refreshingly simple approach to managing your finances with minimal effort, showing how just 15 minutes a week can keep your money life on track. From automating bills and savings to using smart tools and outsourcing complex tasks, her lazy-but-effective system proves that financial peace doesn't require spreadsheets or stress.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/the-lazy-persons-guide-to-money/
Quotes to ponder:
"Use laziness in your favor to save more money!"
"Money management can feel time-consuming and overwhelming. And some money gurus make it harder than it needs to be."
"When I was first cleaning up my money, the key for me was building awareness."
Episode references:
Mint: https://mint.intuit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 31, 2025 • 10min
3336: 6 Reusable Products That Save Me Money by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Frugal Living and Sustainability
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 3336:
Kumiko from The Budget Mom shares six simple, sustainable swaps that save money and reduce waste, from ditching disposable coffee filters to upgrading everyday items like paper towels and plastic bags. Her practical approach proves that small, intentional changes can add up to big savings without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/6-reusable-products-that-save-me-money/
Quotes to ponder:
"Some stores will charge you for grocery bags, so bringing your own could help you avoid this cost."
"Less drying time equals more money saved on my utility bill."
"I no longer buy plastic water bottles. Instead, I went online and bought a Brita Pitcher for less than $28."
Episode references:
Brita Pitcher: https://www.brita.com/water-pitchers/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 30, 2025 • 12min
3335: A Recipe for Financial Success: It’s as Easy as Pumpkin Pie 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 3335:
Kathleen Coxwell uses the humble pumpkin pie as a brilliant metaphor to demystify financial planning, showing that lasting financial success doesn't require complexity, just the right ingredients and thoughtful preparation. With relatable analogies and practical tips, she emphasizes budgeting, investing, managing debt, and aligning money with your values to create a future that’s both secure and meaningful.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/recipe-for-financial-success/
Quotes to ponder:
"Your financial goals don’t have to look like anyone else’s, the important part is having a goal and a goal that makes you happy."
"Money can buy happiness, especially when you spend to accomplish what is important to you."
"For financial success, you will want to have back up plans in place for the things that are likely to go wrong." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 29, 2025 • 10min
3334: How to Speed Up Debt Repayment With One Simple Trick by Jackie Beck on Smart Debt Management
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 3334:
Jackie Beck shares a powerful mindset shift that can accelerate your debt repayment: treat everything as negotiable. By questioning every expense and experimenting with voluntary frugality, you’ll not only trim costs but also gain freedom and control over your financial life without feeling deprived.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/debt-repayment-speed-up/
Quotes to ponder:
"Every little bit helps."
"When you look for things to change about your lifestyle, start with the idea that literally everything is up for grabs."
“Make a list of the things you enjoy or use on a regular basis that you spend money on.”
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
Oct 28, 2025 • 10min
3333: What Happens if I Die Without Creating a Will by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock 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 3333:
Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock break down what really happens if you die without a will, highlighting how state laws, not your loved ones, could dictate who inherits your assets. From risking your partner being excluded to losing control over your children’s guardianship, they explain why creating and updating a will is essential for protecting your legacy and easing the burden on those you leave behind.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/die-without-creating-will/
Quotes to ponder:
"A will is an essential part of building a solid financial house and you'll likely need one to protect your assets and your loved ones."
"When in doubt, seek legal advice to make sure your will is valid and you're protecting your heirs."
"Having all your stuff organized is going to be a huge help to your loved ones, who will likely need to figure this stuff out during a very emotional time."
Episode references:
RocketLawyer: https://www.rocketlawyer.com
Trust & Will: https://trustandwill.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 27, 2025 • 11min
3332: Women, Insecurity and Money: Overcoming the Confidence Gap by Kristin Wong with Get Rich Slowly
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 3332:
Kristin Wong explores how insecurity and societal expectations can limit women's financial growth and confidence, especially in negotiating and investing. Drawing from research and personal experience, she emphasizes the transformative power of financial knowledge, self-advocacy, and challenging gender norms to build lasting wealth and independence.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/women-insecurity-and-money-overcoming-the-confidence-gap/
Quotes to ponder:
"The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence."
"I had a high tolerance for low pay, and it didn't do me any favors."
Episode references:
Secrets of Six-Figure Women: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Six-Figure-Women-Strategies-Earning/dp/0060933461
First Round 10 Year Project: https://10years.firstround.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2025 • 10min
3331: Buy Your Freedom; Rent the Rest by FIRECracker with JLCollinsNH on Smart Choices for a Free Life
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 3331:
FIRECracker challenges the conventional wisdom that owning is always better than renting by sharing a personal story of how car-sharing saved thousands and reduced stress after a nasty accident with a white van. With sharp humor and financial insight, she makes a compelling case that renting both cars and homes can lead to greater freedom, fewer surprises, and accelerated wealth building, especially in high-cost cities.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2016/10/21/buy-your-freedom-rent-the-rest/
Quotes to ponder:
"Renting lets you get ahead, because you don’t need to take the financial risk to maintain a physical asset."
"The costs of owning are WAY higher than people think, and the worst part of these expenses are they are often unexpected."
"Stress free and predictable. That’s the key to freedom."
Episode references:
Enterprise CarShare: https://www.enterprisecarshare.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2025 • 9min
3330: The Joy of Open Space by Rose Lounsbury on Finding Peace in Less
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 3330:
Rose Lounsbury explores how the presence of open space, not exotic vacations or minimalist fantasies, brings real peace to our everyday lives. Through her journey from insomnia and stress to clarity and calm, she reveals how decluttering our surroundings can unlock a deeper sense of freedom, presence, and restfulness.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roselounsbury.com/joy-of-open-space/
Quotes to ponder:
“There is something in all of us that attracts us to open spaces.”
“Imagine yourself in your ideal environment. Got an image? Good. Now, create it.”
“Vacation is not just a break from our daily routines, it is often a break from the overwhelming stress of our stuff.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
