
Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
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...
Latest episodes

Mar 10, 2025 • 11min
3068: [Part 2] Why Is Taking Some Financial Risk Important by Vicki Cook & 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 3068:Taking financial risks wisely can be a game-changer for building long-term wealth. Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock break down how to educate yourself on investing, assess your risk tolerance, and make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. By continuously learning and adjusting your strategy over time, you can confidently embrace risk without fear, allowing you to grow your wealth while maintaining financial security.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/why-is-taking-some-financial-risk-important/Quotes to ponder:"You don’t want to become so comfortable with your investment decisions that you fail to reconsider what 'risk' means to you over time.""If a conservative approach helps you sleep better at night, investing more money for a lengthier period will build wealth too.""Your mindset will shift over time, from being fearful to courageously taking more risks."Episode references:University of Missouri Risk Tolerance Assessment: https://pfp.missouri.edu/research/investment-risk-tolerance-assessmentThe Simple Path to Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-Financial-Independence/dp/1533667926 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 9, 2025 • 12min
3067: [Part 1] Why Is Taking Some Financial Risk Important by Vicki Cook & 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 3067:Vicki Cook & Amy Blacklock emphasize that controlling your finances is key to securing your future, but simply saving money isn’t enough to build long-term wealth. Inflation erodes purchasing power, making it essential to take calculated financial risks for better returns. By understanding risk tolerance, diversifying investments, and aligning strategies with financial goals, even risk-averse individuals can grow their net worth while maintaining financial security.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/why-is-taking-some-financial-risk-important/Quotes to ponder:"While a savings account or CD seems like a low-risk money move, losing buying power over time is still risky.""Putting all your (financial) eggs in one basket isn’t a wise thing to do.""If you can’t risk losing any of your money, you should reconsider your plan to invest."Episode references:Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): https://www.finra.orgU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor.gov: https://www.investor.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 9, 2025 • 10min
3066: First Principles Lifestyle by Colin Wright on Self-Discovery and How to Live Intentionally
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 3066:Colin Wright explores the concept of a first principles lifestyle, applying the philosophical approach of breaking ideas down to their fundamental truths. By questioning societal assumptions and inherited beliefs, he advocates for intentional living based on personal values rather than external expectations. This method encourages deep self-discovery, helping individuals build a life that aligns with their true priorities rather than cultural norms.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/principles-lifestyle/Quotes to ponder:“All men are mortal, Socrates is a man, therefore Socrates is mortal.”“Everything is impossible until it’s achieved, and this way of seeing things encourages shrugging off common knowledge in favor of fundamental assessment.”“A first principles lifestyle is focused on those underlying concerns and ideals and goals.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 8, 2025 • 12min
3065: Personal Finance and The Long Game by Honey Smith with Get Rich Slowly How to Build 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 3065:Personal finance is all about making smart sacrifices today to reap financial security tomorrow. Honey Smith explores how strategies like saving for retirement, maintaining an emergency fund, and paying off debt help build lasting wealth, even when they seem like tough choices in the short term. By prioritizing financial well-being and making intentional decisions, you can create a more stable and rewarding future.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/personal-finance-and-the-long-game/Quotes to ponder:"Personal finance is about making choices that are harder in the short term for the good of the long term.""By maintaining a reasonable balance in liquid vehicles, you decide that losing out on some dividends or interest is a smarter choice than paying interest to a credit card company when emergency strikes.""Perhaps the biggest trick to the long game is realizing that you can't do everything at once. As the saying goes, you can have anything you want, but you can't have everything you want." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2025 • 10min
3064: 4 Budgeting Myths You Should Ignore by Kumiko of The Budget Mom
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 3064:Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive or complicated. Kumiko of The Budget Mom breaks down four common myths that hold people back from taking control of their finances, debunking the idea that budgeting is boring, too much math, or unnecessary. With a simple mindset shift, a budget can become a tool for financial freedom, allowing you to plan for both your needs and wants while creating a future that aligns with your goals.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/budgeting-lies-vs-truths/Quotes to ponder:"If budgeting isn’t fun, you are completely doing it wrong.""You have to look at budgeting as something that allows you to spend the money you do have on the things that matter most and are the most important to you.""Your budget is a plan, a guide on how you should spend your future dollars."Episode references:Equity Trust: https://www.InvestorUnleashed.com/optimal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2025 • 14min
3063: There's Always Going To Be Something by Alacias Enger of My Sense With Cents on Radical Acceptance
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 3063:Life is never without challenges, and waiting for a perfectly smooth path is an illusion. Alacias Enger explores the power of radical acceptance, letting go of resistance, and embracing the unexpected to grow into our fullest selves. By cultivating financial stability and a mindset of flow rather than fear, we can navigate life's inevitable hurdles with resilience and grace.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.mysensewithcents.com/2021/11/theres-always-going-to-be-something.htmlQuotes to ponder:"Saying yes to Reality in any given moment so what’s needed can come next." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 5, 2025 • 12min
3062: How to Live Life with No Regrets by FIRECracker of Millennial-Revolution on Financial Independence
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 3062:FIRECracker reflects on a potential health scare and shares the top regrets of the dying, reminding us that wealth, status, and possessions are meaningless if they come at the cost of authentic living. True freedom comes from financial independence, but even more so from the courage to pursue dreams, prioritize relationships, and embrace happiness before it’s too late.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/freedom/live-life-no-regrets/Quotes to ponder:"I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.""I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.""I wish that I had let myself be happier."Episode references:Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 4, 2025 • 11min
3061: 7 Expenses To Never Put On A Credit Card by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of 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 3061:Michelle Schroeder-Gardner highlights seven common purchases, including furniture, weddings, medical bills, and vacations, that should never be charged unless you can pay them off in full immediately. Avoiding these costly mistakes can help you stay in control of your finances and prevent unnecessary stress.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2015/11/expenses-to-never-put-on-a-credit-card-finance-furniture.htmlQuotes to ponder:"Just because the monthly payment seems 'doable,' it doesn’t mean that it’s what’s best for you.""Wedding debt can cause arguments, stress, financial problems, and more.""A vacation is supposed to be that - a vacation. I couldn’t imagine that a vacation would be relaxing at all if you were paying interest on it for months or years to come."Episode references:The EconoMe Conference YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EconoMeConference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2025 • 10min
3060: Intentional Spending - 3 Simple Questions That Will Upgrade Your Finances by Kalen Bruce of Freedom Sprout
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 3060:Tracking every purchase and asking three simple questions can revolutionize your spending habits. Kalen Bruce highlights the power of intentionality in finances, encouraging mindfulness about whether a purchase is necessary, if there’s a more cost-effective way to buy it, and if quality should be prioritized. By applying this approach to everything from groceries to major expenses like housing and insurance, you can reduce wasteful spending and improve your financial well-being.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://freedomsprout.com/intentional-spending/Quotes to ponder:"This is a way to stop that. Basically, you’re going to track everything you buy, just like you would when you start budgeting, but you’re going to actually talk about every single purchase.""It pays to spend more on quality, whether for your health or for your wallet. Or both.""If you’re intentional about the things you’re spending your money on, you’re going to spend less and spend on the right things - improving your financial health."Episode references:Intentional Children: https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Children-Raising-Money-Smart-Intention/dp/1734973439 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 2, 2025 • 11min
3059: Dear Dad Why Did You Let Debt Kill You by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Money Anxiety
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 3059:Jeff Rose reflects on his father's financial struggles, revealing how stress from debt contributed to his declining well-being and ultimate passing. By recognizing warning signs like constant financial anxiety, relying on credit to pay off credit, and frequently borrowing money, we can step in to help loved ones break the cycle before it's too late.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/dear-dad-why-did-you-let-debt-kill-you/Quotes to ponder:"It wasn’t his heart alone that killed him, it was his debt.""If someone is using one credit card to pay the minimum payment on another, or taking out a cash advance on a card to make a payment, there are multiple problems.""Don’t wait or sit back silently, hoping something will change. Become an agent of change. When you see the warning signs, speak up."Episode references:You Need a Budget App: https://www.youneedabudget.comSoldier of Finance: https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Finance-Charge-Invest-Future/dp/0814433286 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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