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
Oct 25, 2025 • 9min
3329: How Acne Made Me More Frugal by Jess Chua with Budgets Are Sexy on Lessons in Simplicity and Self-Care
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 3329:
Jess Chua’s unexpected battle with adult acne became a surprising teacher in frugality and intentional living. Her journey away from expensive, overhyped skincare routines toward minimalist, research-backed self-care reveals how challenges can prompt deeper awareness around consumerism, budgeting, and self-trust.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/how-acne-made-me-more-frugal/
Quotes to ponder:
"Sometimes, you don’t get what you pay for."
"The concept of 'less is more' frees you up to focus on the things that matter even more."
"When it came to potential purchases, I would keep asking myself: 'Is this something I really need?'" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 24, 2025 • 11min
3328: A Simple Estate Planning Checklist For a Challenging Topic by Scott Spann with Financial Finesse
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 3328:
Scott Spann outlines a straightforward estate planning checklist that empowers you to make proactive decisions, no matter your age, income, or family status. From organizing documents and setting clear goals to naming beneficiaries and creating essential legal directives, this guide helps ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress during difficult times.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2013/06/17/a-simple-estate-planning-checklist-for-a-challenging-topic/
Quotes to ponder:
"Discussing your intentions in advance can help avoid family conflicts and also minimize the potential for any confusion or questions regarding your true intentions."
"If you have a plan in place but nobody is aware of it, then your wishes may be ignored or there may be significant delays in figuring out your desires."
"Life will undoubtedly throw a curve ball or two our way so it’s essential to review and adapt our plans as necessary."
Episode references:
Life Happens: https://lifehappens.org/
LegalZoom: https://www.legalzoom.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 23, 2025 • 10min
3327: [Part 2] Your Aging Car: Repair or Replace? By Philip Taylor of PT Money on Making Smart Car Decisions
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 3327:
Philip Taylor outlines smart strategies to avoid the car loan debt trap, including paying cash for your next vehicle, refinancing through local credit unions, and leveraging side income to accelerate debt payoff. He emphasizes the long-term financial gains of keeping your car longer, selling unused items, and using high-yield savings accounts to prepare for future purchases.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/repair-or-replace-car/
Quotes to ponder:
"A car is an asset, but unlike a home which tends to increase in value, a car loses value the minute you drive it off the lot!"
"If you’re in a situation where you still owe money on your car, see if you can refinance the debt through a local bank or credit union."
"You know you’ll need to replace your vehicle eventually, so the wise choice is to save up now."
Episode references:
Gabi Insurance: https://www.gabi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 2025 • 10min
3326: [Part 1] Your Aging Car: Repair or Replace? By Philip Taylor of PT Money on Making Smart Car Decisions
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 3326:
Philip Taylor breaks down the financial and emotional dilemma of whether to repair or replace an aging car, guiding you through five practical questions to assess safety, cost, and long-term value. His thoughtful analysis, paired with an inspiring story of a car-free lifestyle, offers a fresh perspective on what smart, frugal vehicle ownership can really look like.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/repair-or-replace-car/
Quotes to ponder:
"Is your vehicle spending more time in the shop than in your driveway?"
"Even if the safety standards are up to par, reliability can be a big issue with older cars."
"Before you agree to any work done on your car, get an estimate in writing."
Episode references:
Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars
Enterprise Plus Rewards Program: https://www.enterprise.com/en/loyalty.html
Edmunds Car Value Tool: https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal
Kelley Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com
ZipCar: https://www.zipcar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 21, 2025 • 10min
3325: Why Lifestyle Inflation is Harmful and How to Avoid it by Mr. Finer on Living Well Without Overspending
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 3325:
Mr. Finer breaks down the subtle yet powerful trap of lifestyle inflation, showing how incremental upgrades in spending can quietly sabotage financial independence. By focusing on maximizing happiness and utility instead of status, he offers clear strategies to recognize and resist the pressure to constantly "upgrade" your life.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mrfiner.com/why-lifestyle-inflation-is-harmful-and-how-to-avoid-it/
Quotes to ponder:
“There is enough to meet everyone’s needs but not enough to meet everyone’s greed!”
“Lifestyle inflation is like a hole in a tire. You can pump in air, but the tire will not get full until the hole is plugged.”
“Maximize for happiness, not for status.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 20, 2025 • 12min
3324: The Triumph of Logos by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars And Data on Logic Over Emotion in Money Decisions
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 3324:
Nick Maggiulli explores how the personal finance world is shifting from emotional storytelling and appeals to authority toward logic-driven, evidence-based insights. By comparing this evolution to the transformation seen in martial arts through the rise of the UFC, Maggiulli shows why data, not dogma, is now winning hearts, and portfolios.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/the-triumph-of-logos/
Quotes to ponder:
"Old, flawed ways of thinking will be pushed out by new data and evidence."
"It’s the feeling of knowledge that must be preserved, not the fact of it or lack thereof."
"Most millionaires don’t have huge houses, fancy cars, nor a caviar addiction."
Episode references:
Think and Grow Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331
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
Oct 19, 2025 • 11min
3323: Don't Eat the Doughnut by Craig Stephens of Retire Before Dad on Delayed Gratification
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 3323:
Craig Stephens uses the simple act of resisting a doughnut to illustrate how self-control and delayed gratification fuel long-term financial freedom. His reflection shows that every small disciplined choice shapes a stronger mindset, greater savings, and a life built on intentional habits rather than impulse.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.retirebeforedad.com/dont-eat-doughnut/
Quotes to ponder:
"Every decision we make, no matter how small, contributes to who we are and where we’re going."
"Self-control is a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes."
"Delaying gratification today gives you more choices tomorrow."
Episode references:
The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474
Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766
Marshmallow Test – Stanford University: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_marshmallow_experiment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 19, 2025 • 10min
3322: Conquering your "Feelings Phobia" by Rachel Shanken of Mind Body Wise on Facing Your Emotions
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 3322:
Rachel Shanken invites readers to confront their “feelings phobia” by understanding that emotions are not threats but valuable messages from within. Through mindfulness, compassion, and gentle curiosity, she shows how embracing our emotions leads to deeper self-awareness, resilience, and emotional freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mindbodywise.com/blog/conquering-your-feelings-phobia/
Quotes to ponder:
"Many of us have a phobia of our feelings, a fear of fully feeling our emotions."
"When we resist what we feel, our emotions intensify, linger, or show up in other ways, such as anxiety, irritability, or physical pain."
"By allowing ourselves to feel, we open the door to healing, clarity, and peace."
Episode references:
Radical Acceptance: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Acceptance-Embracing-Yourself-Awakening/dp/0553380990
The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X
The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 18, 2025 • 11min
3321: 5 Things That Happen When You Stop Buying S*** You Don’t Need by Sarah Von Bargen on Spending with Intention
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 3321:
Sarah Von Bargen reveals how cutting out unnecessary purchases transforms not just your finances but your confidence, peace of mind, and relationship with your space. By aligning spending with genuine joy and values, she shows that mindful consumption can lead to greater freedom, time, and self-trust, without relying on willpower or deprivation.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.yesandyes.org/2018/05/stop-buying-shit-you-dont-need.html
Quotes to ponder:
"When you stop buying things you don’t need, you have more money to buy things you do."
"When we work less, we have more time for the things that make us happy."
"When you stop buying things you don’t need, you feel better about your space."
Episode references:
The Easy Way to Quit Smoking by Allen Carr: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Without/dp/1402718616
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace: https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Control-Discover/dp/0525537236 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 17, 2025 • 9min
3320: My Worst Money Mistakes by ESI on Lessons Learned from Financial Missteps
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 3320:
ESI pulls back the curtain on his biggest financial missteps, from reckless early spending to investing in high-fee mutual funds and getting burned by an uninsured bank. With hard-earned humility and clear-eyed reflection, he shows that even serious money mistakes can still lead to long-term success, offering listeners a reassuring reminder that it’s never too late to turn things around.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/my-worst-money-mistakes/
Quotes to ponder:
"I had no budget and absolutely no savings. I was making a fortune after all, why did I need to save?"
"If I had loosened up a bit and been willing to accept properties with a 9% return, I’d probably have twice as many properties as I do now."
Episode references:
Beating the Street: https://www.amazon.com/Beating-Street-Peter-Lynch/dp/0671891634
Vanguard Index Funds: https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
