

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

Apr 28, 2024 • 10min
2706: Weekend Weight Loss Tips by Chalene Johnson on Maintaining Health Goals without Sacrificing Fun
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 2706:Discover Chalene Johnson's Weekend Weight Loss Tips to maintain your health goals without sacrificing weekend fun. Chalene shares practical advice on changing your mindset, limiting alcohol, managing meal times, choosing home-cooked meals, bringing your own food, and including raw veggies in your diet, aiming to keep you on track while enjoying your downtime.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/weekend-weight-loss-tips/Quotes to ponder:"It ALL starts with mindset. If you go into your weekend with the mindset that you’re going to indulge and that you earned it, then you will have little to no self control.""When you find yourself trying to justify the indulgences, take an emotional step back, and remind yourself that you are worth putting good nutritious food in your body.""If you find you’re having a strong craving for something in particular, my first recommendation is to write it down, that might seem strange. But research has shown that if you write down the craving, most times it removes it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 27, 2024 • 8min
2705: 6 Ways Being Cheap Can Cost You Money by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents warns about the hidden costs of excessive thriftiness, such as skimping on quality purchases and DIY projects. She emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality, long-lasting items to save money in the long run.

Apr 26, 2024 • 11min
2704: 7 Ways You May Be Leaving Money on the Table When You Retire 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 2704:Kathleen Coxwell's guide "7 Ways You May Be Leaving Money on the Table When You Retire" offers essential strategies to ensure you're maximizing your retirement savings. Discover how to optimize your Social Security benefits, manage investments wisely, and avoid common pitfalls that can reduce your financial security in retirement.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/leaving-money-on-the-table-when-you-retire/Quotes to ponder:"Surprisingly though, many retirees and soon to be retirees overlook not just hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but hundreds of thousands in money that could be put toward retirement expenses.""By claiming Social Security at the earliest possible date, many people are leaving a substantial amount of money behind because the longer you wait, the greater the benefits become.""Your home is a valuable resource that really should be considered as part of your overall retirement plan." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2024 • 11min
2703: Why Paying Off the Mortgage Early May Be a Big Mistake by Len Penzo on How to Fight Inflation
Financial expert Len Penzo discusses why paying off the mortgage early may not be ideal in a high-inflation environment. He explains the benefits of maintaining a mortgage during economic changes, investing strategies, and weighing the pros and cons of homeownership versus income-producing investments.

Apr 24, 2024 • 9min
2702: Trading Financial Freedom for Mini-Retirement by Chris of Keep Thifty on FIRE Lifestyle & Sabbaticals
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 2702:Chris from KeepThrifty.com shares his journey of trading the pursuit of financial freedom for a one-year mini-retirement to spend quality time with his children. Despite the financial setbacks, he values this period as an invaluable investment in family life, illustrating that sometimes, life's best returns come from the heart, not the bank.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/trade-financial-freedom-mini-retirement/Quotes to ponder:"Who doesn’t want financial freedom? Getting to the point that your passive income can cover your expenses buys you opportunities and time in a way that most people can’t imagine.""Despite the allure, I took an active step away from financial freedom this year, choosing to delay my freedom date by over 2 years.""Trading twenty-seven months of financial freedom for fourteen months of mini-retirement now seems like a pretty good deal when you put our life situation in context." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 2024 • 11min
2701: The Secret to Becoming Your Own Financial Expert by Philip Taylor of PT Money 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 2701:Philip Taylor of PTMoney.com shares invaluable insights on becoming the master of your financial destiny. He emphasizes that personal finance expertise doesn't necessarily require formal qualifications like a CPA or CFP but instead advocates for self-education and proactive financial management tailored to your unique circumstances.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/becoming-your-own-financial-expert/Quotes to ponder:"I simply share my story with money - the good, the bad, and the ugly.""Only by becoming your expert can you appropriately decipher the financial headlines of the day.""The secret is three-fold as I see it: only you know the detailed ins and outs of your financial situation, no one cares more about your money than you, and all you need to do is keep learning and try new things!"Episode references:The Making of an Expert: https://hbr.org/2007/07/the-making-of-an-expertThe Automatic Millionaire: https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Millionaire-Powerful-One-Step-Finish/dp/0767923820 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2024 • 10min
2700: 10 Ways to Take Control of Your Finances by Kalen Bruce of Money Mini Blog 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 2700:Explore strategic financial management through Kalen Bruce’s insightful guidance on taking control of your finances. Bruce emphasizes the importance of understanding cash flow, setting realistic goals, and investing wisely to build a prosperous future. His approach demystifies financial planning, making it accessible and actionable for anyone seeking to enhance their financial stability.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/budgeting/10-ways-to-take-control-of-your-finances/Quotes to ponder:"Being in control of your finances helps you make valuable decisions regarding your finances and it helps you spend less than you earn.""Never make money your stress button; it can be your happy button.""Knowledge and patience are the keys to success."Episode references:Money Tracking Took: What We Recommend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2024 • 9min
2699: Your Greatest Asset is YOU by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data on Personal Growth & Development
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 2699:Nick Maggiulli's article, "Your Greatest Asset is YOU," reveals that the most valuable financial asset you possess isn't your bank account or investments, but rather your human capital. When wisely managed and invested, this wealth of personal skills and knowledge can yield greater long-term financial returns than traditional investments.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/your-greatest-asset-is-you/Quotes to ponder:"Your human capital can be considered an asset that you use to earn money.""Each year you work reduces the present value of your human capital.""By saving and investing, you are rebuilding yourself as a financial asset equivalent that can provide you with income when you no longer work." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2024 • 8min
2698: How to Overcome and Conquer Fear by Shirley of Daring Living on Self-Help & Mental Health
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 2698:Join Shirley from DaringLiving.com as she delves into the transformative journey of overcoming fear. In this enlightening episode, she shares practical steps and powerful insights that help shift the perspective on fear, offering ways to turn it from a crippling force into a guiding one. Discover how to embrace and harness your fears to lead a more courageous and fulfilling life.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://daringliving.com/how-to-overcome-fear/Quotes to ponder:"Fear is simply a feeling. When we feel fear, we create our definition and meaning about why we’re afraid.""Instead of defaulting to a negative thought/story for yourself, you can purposefully create deliberate, more empowering thoughts for that feeling.""If you feel afraid, you can justify your feeling by saying 'I am excited about this' instead. This will change your entire story and thoughts about the situation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 20, 2024 • 11min
2697: Can’t Stick to a Budget? Here’s the Solution by Jen Hayes on Dave Ramsey's Cash Envelope System
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 2697:Jen Hayes brings to light the modern dilemma of overspending due to the convenience of digital transactions in her article. She introduces Dave Ramsey's cash envelope system as a tactile and visual method to regain control over personal finances. By allocating specific amounts to different spending categories and only using cash, this method forces individuals to become more mindful and intentional with their purchases, ultimately helping them stick to their budgets.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me/cant-stick-to-a-budget-heres-the-solution/Quotes to ponder:"Americans have lost our ability to 'feel' money. Society has made it far too easy for us to spend money on autopilot.""When we can physically see the money being taken away from us, we’re more mindful about the purchases we make.""If you can’t control your money, the lack of it will forever control you."Episode references:How to Budget With the Cash Envelope System By Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/envelope-system-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices