

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 11, 2024 • 11min
2687: I Used To Be Afraid Of Money, But Things Have Changed by Liz of Frugalwoods
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 2687:Liz's transformation from money fear to financial savvy underscores a powerful journey of overcoming financial anxiety. Through a candid account on Frugalwoods.com, Liz shares how eschewing debt, embracing frugality, and educating herself on personal finance turned her dread into confidence. This tale isn't just about saving pennies; it's a roadmap for anyone looking to wield money as a tool for life, rather than a source of fear.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.frugalwoods.com/2015/06/02/i-used-to-be-afraid-of-money-but-things-have-changed/Quotes to ponder:"I used to be afraid of money. Not in the sense that I thought it was going to jump out of a dark alley at me, more in the vein of fearing the unknown.""I’m forced to confess that I was cheap-stupidly cheap and a far cry from strategically frugal.""Money is only a tool, it will take you wherever you wish, but it won’t replace you as the driver."Episode references:Personal Finance For Dummies: https://a.co/d/cAMarbU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2024 • 10min
2686: Should You Give Money to Your Adult Children? by J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly on Financial Outpatient
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 2686:J.D. Roth delves into the emotionally charged issue of whether or not to provide financial assistance to adult children, using a reader's personal dilemma as a springboard. Through insights from personal experiences and expert research, Roth explores the fine line between helping and enabling, offering thought-provoking perspectives on financial independence, responsibility, and the potential pitfalls of economic support.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/giving-money-to-adult-children/Quotes to ponder:"The more dollars adult children receive, the fewer they accumulate, while those who are given fewer dollars accumulate more.""Giving adult children financial support is, generally speaking, a bad idea.""What is the effect of cash gifts that are knowingly ear-marked for consumption and the propping up of a certain lifestyle? We find that the giving of such gifts is the single most significant factor that explains lack of productivity among the adult children of the affluent."Episode references:The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 9, 2024 • 10min
2685: 3 Ways to Hack Your Financial Happiness by Chris Reining on Strategies for Fostering Genuine Contentment
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 2685:Chris Reining explores the nuanced relationship between money and happiness in "3 Ways to Hack Your Financial Happiness," offering insights from personal experience and research. By critiquing the common pursuit of wealth as a source of happiness and suggesting practical strategies for fostering genuine contentment, Reining illuminates the path to financial well-being that transcends mere accumulation.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/3-ways-to-hack-your-financial-happiness/Quotes to ponder:"Many of us equate money to happiness. And it's true, sort of. Research has shown that happiness rises with income, but only up to $75,000.""Buying stuff is the equivalent of getting drunk, it only temporarily soothes our unhappiness.""Finding happiness comes from within, it's not something that can be purchased from Amazon."Episode references:Carl Jensen's speech, "FI-landia is a lie,": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av4nIb5_AAE&ab_channel=EconoMeConference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 8, 2024 • 10min
2684: Should You Cancel Your Credit Card After Paying It Off by Kumiko of The Budget Mom 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 2684:Kumiko of TheBudgetMom.com tackles the common dilemma of whether to close a credit card after paying it off. She weighs the pros, like avoiding temptation and minimizing fees, against the cons, such as the potential negative impact on your credit score. Her conclusion is nuanced, advocating for keeping the account open under certain conditions, especially when planning significant financial moves like buying a house.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/should-you-cancel-your-credit-card-after-paying-it-off/Quotes to ponder:"The number one reason most people choose to close their credit cards is to avoid temptation.""If your credit card is charging you fees, you should think about closing it.""Closing a credit card account can hurt you if you are attempting to get a mortgage." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 2024 • 9min
2683: Two Huge Reasons Why Your Career Matters by ESI of ESI Money on How to Increase My Income
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 2683:Discover how to transform your career into your most lucrative asset with ESI from ESIMoney.com. Learn the significance of recognizing and nurturing your career’s value, which can amount to millions of dollars over a lifetime. This insightful analysis not only outlines the financial aspect but also emphasizes the personal growth and satisfaction that come with career development.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/two-huge-reasons-why-your-career-matters/Quotes to ponder:"Your career is your biggest financial asset, worth millions of dollars.""If you take the right steps, you can make it worth millions more.""Think it can’t be done? I shared previously that I’ve averaged over 8% per year for 25 years."Episode references:So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/Good-They-Cant-Ignore-You/dp/1455509124 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 2024 • 12min
2682: When Does Caffeine Withdrawal Stop by Ana Gotter with Healthline on Should I Drink Coffee
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 2682:Ana Gotter, in partnership with Healthline.com, demystifies the caffeine withdrawal process, providing a comprehensive look at its duration, symptoms, and management strategies. Gotter's insights into the physiological and psychological effects of caffeine withdrawal, backed by scientific studies, offer valuable guidance for those contemplating a break from caffeine, emphasizing genetic influences on our coffee cravings and how to navigate withdrawal with minimal discomfort.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-caffeine-withdrawal-lastQuotes to ponder:"The duration of caffeine withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, but caffeine withdrawal usually lasts at least two to nine days.""Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant that decreases drowsiness by blocking adenosine receptors. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter connected to the body’s sleep-wake processes.""If you decide you want to decrease or quit caffeine, try these things to work through your withdrawal symptoms: Taper consumption instead of going cold turkey." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 6, 2024 • 10min
2681: Should You Do a Debt Consolidation Loan? by James Lambridis of DebtMD on Financial Security
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 2681:James Lambridis of DebtMD.com guides readers through the intricacies of debt consolidation loans, revealing their potential as a tool for financial relief. By scrutinizing the prerequisites and pitfalls of such loans, Lambridis offers actionable insights for those looking to navigate their way out of debt, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and strategic financial planning.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.debtmd.com/blog/should-you-do-a-debt-consolidation-loanQuotes to ponder:"Deciding whether to do a debt consolidation loan boils down to two very simple things. Are you lowering your monthly payment and/or interest rate?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 5, 2024 • 12min
2680: 5 Things No One Tells You About Retirement That You Need to Know by Janet Berry-Johnson with 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 2680:Dive into the often-unspoken realities of retirement with insights from Janet Berry-Johnson at NewRetirement.com. This episode reveals the surprising challenges retirees face, from identity crises and depression to unexpected financial strains and the importance of finding new purposes. Discover the critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of preparing for a fulfilling retirement beyond the financials.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/5-things-no-one-tells-you-about-retirement-that-you-need-to-know/Quotes to ponder:"Depression is common for many people, their identities have become wrapped up in what they do for a living. When their careers end, depression can become an issue.""Most people report being happier than ever before - a majority of retirees (93%) feel their life is as good or better than it was before they retired."Episode references:"Work Longer, Live Healthier: The relationship between economic Activity, Health and Government Policy" from the Institute of Economic Affairs: https://iea.org.uk/in-the-media/press-release/retirement-causes-a-major-decline-in-physical-and-mental-health-new-resea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 4, 2024 • 12min
2679: 10 Money Questions Every Couple Must Answer by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey
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 2679:In "10 Money Questions Every Couple Must Answer," Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey.com opens up about the personal journey to financial independence she's navigated with her spouse, Amon. She distills over fifteen years of collective wisdom into ten pivotal questions aimed at couples seeking to build a secure, financially transparent future together. Offering a blend of practical advice and profound insights, Christina's guide is an invaluable resource for partners at any stage of their relationship, encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding around a topic that's often overlooked but crucial for lasting partnership harmony.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/10-money-questions-every-couple-must-answerQuotes to ponder:"Financial independence isn't just about how much you earn but how you align your financial decisions and goals as a couple.""Understanding each other's financial habits and goals is essential in creating a harmonious partnership.""The journey to financial freedom as a couple is paved with open conversations, mutual goals, and shared dreams."Episode references:Managing Money For Better and Worth: https://www.erickayoung.com/listen/managing-money-for-better-and-worth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 3, 2024 • 11min
2678: [Part 2] Conquer 3 Critical Early Retirement Challenges by Redefining Retirement by Chris Mamula 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 2678:Chris Mamula challenges traditional retirement concepts in "Conquer 3 Critical Early Retirement Challenges by Redefining Retirement - Part 2", advocating for a personalized approach to retirement planning. By questioning societal norms and exploring flexible, meaningful work as part of retirement, Mamula provides insightful strategies for achieving early retirement without sacrificing personal fulfillment or financial security.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/redefining-retirement/Quotes to ponder:"Ultimately, I realized that all three of the biggest challenges we faced had the same solution. We needed to redefine retirement on our terms.""Traditional retirement planning can only take you so far. If you want to retire early, you need to develop a robust strategy with flexibility.""A job should not define who or what you are. You should be able to leave today and it not change the overall purpose or direction of your life."Episode references:The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss: https://a.co/d/ebqwn3nMan’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl: https://a.co/d/ePqWdRN48 Days To The Work You Love by Dan Miller: https://a.co/d/9WdfY5X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices