

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

Jun 3, 2024 • 10min
2748: House Rich and Cash Poor by Mike Ballew of EggStack on Building Wealth for 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 2748:Mike Ballew of EggStack.com explores the dilemma of being "house rich and cash poor," a situation where homeowners have significant equity locked in their property but lack sufficient liquid assets for a comfortable retirement. He discusses potential solutions like downsizing, reverse mortgages, and turning a home into an investment property, providing insights into the advantages and drawbacks of each approach.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://eggstack.com/blog/2021-06-27-House-Rich-and-Cash-Poor/Quotes to ponder:"Owning a home is an important part of wealth-building and a cornerstone of The American Dream, but as we age, it can feel like an albatross.""Downsizing to a smaller home has many advantages, including reduced utility bills and property taxes, making it an appealing option for retirees needing less space.""The primary disadvantage of a reverse mortgage is that you are essentially married to your home, as in until death do us part."Episode references:How Does a Reverse Mortgage Work: https://dfi.wa.gov/homeownership/reverse-mortgages Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2, 2024 • 10min
2747: Losing More Than a Bet by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data on Gambling & 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 2747:Nick Maggiulli's moving piece, "Losing More Than a Bet," delves into the poignant intersection of family, loss, and the perilous lure of gambling, inspired by the death of his grandfather. By reflecting on his grandfather's gambling addiction and its personal impacts, Maggiulli offers profound insights into the complexities of addiction, the deceptive allure of easy money, and the deep familial bonds that shape our understanding of risk and reward.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/losing-more-than-a-bet/Quotes to ponder:"What goes up a chimney down, but not down a chimney up? An umbrella.""Money won is twice as sweet as money earned.""The cycle continues. Another loss. Another justification. Another gamble."Episode references:North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help: https://nafgah.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2, 2024 • 11min
2746: The Story of Your Life: Rewriting Your Script by Emma Scheib of Simple Slow Lovely 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 2746:Emma Scheib's piece "The Story of Your Life: Rewriting Your Script" from Simple Slow Lovely dives deep into the concept of self-directed life changes by confronting our inner critic. She narrates her personal journey of identifying and dismissing the critical internal voices that dictated her life choices, showcasing a path towards embracing a simplified, intentional life that truly reflects one's aspirations and values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 1, 2024 • 10min
2745: [Part 2] The Five Types of People You’ll Meet on Your Way to FI by FIRECracker of Millennial Revolution
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 2745:Delve into the elusive world of the "Closeted FIRER" with FIRECracker's insightful article from Millennial Revolution. Discover the hidden lives of those secretly planning their financial independence and early retirement (FIRE) and explore how their undercover efforts impact both professional life and personal growth.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/build/five-types-people-youll-meet-way-fi/Quotes to ponder:"The Closeted FIRER knows what SWR stands for, they can discuss in detail the subtleties of the 4% rule, they can rattle off their favourite low-cost Index ETFs. But they don’t, because they don’t want to admit that they’re also trying to jump ship from their job too."Episode references:Quit Like a Millionaire: https://www.amazon.com/Quit-Like-Millionaire-Practical-Wealthy/dp/0525538690The 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

May 31, 2024 • 10min
2744: [Part 1] The Five Types of People You’ll Meet on Your Way to FI by FIRECracker of Millennial Revolution
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 2744:Explore the emotional rollercoaster of reaching milestones in personal growth through FIRECracker’s article on her experiences with publishing and early retirement. As she navigates the reactions of friends and the types of people encountered on her journey to financial independence, listeners gain insights into the complex social dynamics of success and ambition.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/build/five-types-people-youll-meet-way-fi/Quotes to ponder:"Most people don’t want you to succeed.""The Frenemy pats you on the back with one hand, while secretly gut-punching you with the other.""The Hypocrite thinks you got lucky and don’t truly deserve your success."Episode references:Overview of FI Chautauqua UK: https://www.fichautauqua.com/overview-805691.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2024 • 10min
2743: 3 Easy Steps in Paying for College Financing Priorities by Miranda Marquit 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 2743:Miranda Marquit of GoodFinancialCents.com presents three actionable steps for financing your college education effectively. This guide explores options from scholarships and grants to federal and private student loans, helping students navigate the complexities of funding higher education amidst rising costs.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/paying-for-college-financing-priorities/Quotes to ponder:"Your first efforts should be geared toward getting free money to help you pay for college.""Before you go to a bank, it might be worth it to check the terms you can get with peer-to-peer lending.""Finding financing for college isn’t always easy and it can be expensive."Episode references:FastWeb: https://www.fastweb.com/Tuition U: https://planning.colleging.com/cu/tuition-u-directFAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2024 • 10min
2742: 5 Myths That Encourage Excess Spending by Dori Cameron with Becoming Minimalist 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 2742:Dori Cameron explores common misconceptions that lead to unnecessary spending in "5 Myths That Result in Excess Spending." By debunking myths such as the beliefs that items can always be returned, sold, or donated, Cameron encourages readers to reconsider the true cost and value of purchases, advocating for more mindful consumption habits to save time, money, and space.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/myths-that-cause-overspending/Quotes to ponder:"When you have that George Foreman grill in your hands, it seems like a great idea.""A rule of thumb when making a purchase is to assume it has no resale value.""Is there a better way to give back to others or your community than dropping off used goods at a thrift store?"Episode references:Beyond Belongings Blog: https://beyondbelongings.wordpress.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 2024 • 12min
2741: How to Increase Willpower and Stay on Track Financially by Emily Guy Birken with PT 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 2741:Discover proven strategies to enhance your willpower in this insightful exploration of self-discipline and personal growth. Uncover practical tips and psychological insights that can help you build lasting habits, resist temptations, and achieve your personal and professional goals.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/how-to-increase-willpower/Quotes to ponder:"Willpower is not just a skill but a daily practice that involves both mindset and action.""Understanding the psychological aspects of self-control can transform your approach to challenges.""Every step taken in discipline strengthens your ability to navigate life's temptations."Episode references:Willpower by John Tierney: https://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Rediscovering-Greatest-Human-Strength/dp/0143122231Stanford marshmallow experiment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_marshmallow_experiment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 27, 2024 • 11min
2740: Own Less; Travel More by Lauren Keys of Trip Of A Lifestyle on Minimalism & 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 2740:In "Own Less; Travel More," Lauren Keys of TripOfALifestyle.com shares her personal insights on how minimizing possessions can maximize freedom, particularly when moving. She argues that reducing clutter not only eases physical and mental burdens but also enhances the ability to embrace opportunities, travel, and improve financial stability.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/perspective/own-less-travel-more/Quotes to ponder:"By selling, donating, or just tossing out the items we don’t absolutely have to take with us, we’ve ended up with about half of the amount of stuff to move.""I’m not saying to give up the things you love, but I do want to challenge you to give your home a good Marie Kondo-ing and ask yourself not only whether your possessions spark joy, but also whether they’re worth what you might be giving up to own them.""Reducing clutter increases freedom."Episode references:Marie Kondo’s website: https://konmari.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 2024 • 12min
2739: How I Wasted Over $13,000 Refinancing My Mortgage by Andy Hill of Marriage Kids and 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 2739:Andy Hill reflects on the costly mistakes he made with his mortgage, highlighting the pitfalls of refinancing without fully understanding the terms and the impact of market conditions. His candid recounting offers valuable lessons on mortgage management and financial decision-making, making it a must-listen for homeowners and financial enthusiasts.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/how-i-wasted-over-13000-refinancing-my-mortgageQuotes to ponder:"Don’t buy something you don’t understand, especially a mortgage product.""I didn’t believe it would last. I thought it was too good to be true.""Listen to your wife. She’s smart."Episode references:LendingTree: https://www.lendingtree.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices