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
Mar 26, 2024 • 13min
2669: Roots v. Wings: Considering Home Ownership by JL Collins on Embracing the Flexibility of Renting
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 2669:JL Collins's exploration of the emotional and financial facets of homeownership versus renting, "Roots versus Wings," delves into his personal journey from owning houses he didn't love to embracing the flexibility of renting. He contrasts the deep-seated desire for a permanent home with the liberating option of mobility, framing the debate within a broader historical context of human settlement and mobility. Collins emphasizes the importance of understanding the financial implications of our living choices, advocating for a conscious decision-making process that balances emotional desires with economic realities.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/03/20/roots-v-wings-considering-home-ownership/Quotes to ponder:"The choice is yours. But as with everything you chose to buy, be sure you take the time to know what it will cost."Episode references:The 2023 State of the Nation's Housing report: https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/state-nations-housing-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 25, 2024 • 9min
2668: 7 Steps to Take to Live with Financial Freedom by Neiko Johnson with Money Mini Blog
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 2668:Neiko Johnson with MoneyMiniBlog.com unveils the critical steps toward achieving financial freedom, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal financial goals, creating and adhering to a budget, eliminating debt, saving effectively, and investing in one's future. Johnson's guide is a roadmap for anyone looking to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle and secure a financially stable future.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://moneyminiblog.com/budgeting/7-steps-to-financial-freedom/Quotes to ponder:"When you travel towards success, you must go through the road of pain first.""A budget puts you in control and gives you the ability to tell your money how to behave.""Being financially free simply means you control your finances." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 24, 2024 • 10min
2667: Do You Use Work As An Excuse Not To Reach Financial Independence? by Kevin of Financial Panther
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 2667:Kevin from FinancialPanther.com challenges the notion of using work as an excuse to avoid pursuing financial independence. He argues that even those who enjoy their jobs should strive for financial freedom to truly understand if their work passion stems from interest or necessity. This perspective invites readers to reconsider their savings habits and the underlying motives behind their work-life choices, encouraging a shift towards financial autonomy and the liberation it brings.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://financialpanther.com/use-work-excuse-not-reach-financial-independence/Quotes to ponder:"Even if you have no intention of retiring, you still need to save money.""The only true way to know if you enjoy working is to save aggressively to the point where you could retire early if you wanted to.""Enjoying work and reaching financial independence aren’t mutually exclusive." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 24, 2024 • 10min
2666: 5 Tips to Make Your Groceries Last Two Weeks by Shawna Scafe of Simple on Purpose
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 2666:Shawna Scafe of Simple on Purpose.ca shares insightful tips on extending grocery shopping to a two-week cycle, a practical approach for those aiming to minimize frequent store visits while adhering to budget and meal planning. This guide not only offers a strategy to tackle the challenge of keeping groceries fresh but also emphasizes the importance of inventory management, proper food storage, and mindful consumption to make the most out of your grocery haul.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/two-week-groceries/Quotes to ponder:"Our cupboards are full of money we’ve already spent and forgot about. Gotta use this stuff up!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 23, 2024 • 10min
2665: Why the Small Things Matter by Andrew of Dollar After Dollar on Excessive Spending
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 2665:Andrew of DollarAfterDollar.com draws an intriguing parallel between the "Broken Windows" theory and our financial habits, emphasizing the significant impact small, seemingly negligible habits can have on our overall financial health. By addressing these "financial broken windows," such as excessive spending in one area, we can prevent larger issues from arising and ensure our money works better for us.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.dollarafterdollar.com/why-the-small-things-matter/Quotes to ponder:"Once disorder begins, things can get out of control.""If you are not getting what you intend out of your money, it is time to fix the 'broken windows'.""Time is the most valuable financial asset we have." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 22, 2024 • 10min
2664: Stuff We Just Stopped Buying by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster on Saving Big
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 2664:Diania Merriam shares insights from Lisa Harrison of MadMoneyMonster.com, who reflects on everyday items she and her partner stopped buying to achieve significant savings. The list includes avoiding new car purchases, cutting cable TV, minimizing paper product expenses, using alternatives to shaving cream, refraining from soda and juice purchases, skipping professional family photos, and being mindful of pet care expenses. The episode highlights how small changes in spending habits can lead to substantial financial benefits over time.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2015/11/06/things-we-just-stopped-buying/Quotes to ponder:"I often see posts in various forums or on social media where people like to criticize how other people spend money. But here is the thing, everyone has different preferences, and there are no rules on what makes something a morally good or bad purchase." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 21, 2024 • 10min
2663: Breaking the Doom Spending Cycle by Sara Stanizai of Prospect Therapy on Developing Healthy Coping
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 2663:In this episode, Diania Merriam shares Sara Stanizai's post from ProspectTherapy.com, addressing the pervasive issue of doom spending in 2024. Sara explores the connection between anxiety and impulsive spending, defining doom spending as a harmful coping mechanism. The post provides insights into breaking this cycle by understanding its roots and offering practical, healthy coping strategies to manage anxiety effectively.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.prospecttherapy.com/blog/2023/12/1/ky0iiakglgb3uj9id5szt1vwa7ics1-wgbhf-c68kjQuotes to ponder:"Doom spending is a term used to describe the pattern of compulsive or impulsive buying driven by feelings of anxiety, stress, or a sense of impending doom." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 20, 2024 • 10min
2662: Setting Smart Financial Goals by Sierra Black of Get Rich Slowly on Practical Goal-Setting Strategies
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 2662:In this episode, Diania Merriam narrates Sierra Black's blog post from GetRichSlowly.org, emphasizing the importance of setting smart financial goals. Sierra introduces the SMART goal-setting system, highlighting the need for goals to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. The post explains why setting meaningful goals is crucial for financial success and how it serves as a roadmap to guide financial decisions.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/setting-smart-financial-goals/Quotes to ponder:"Goals are incredibly powerful tools. They're useful for a diverse array of things, from getting clarity on what you want to staying motivated for the long haul." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 19, 2024 • 12min
2661: 3 Unconventional Ways to Super-Charge Your Savings by Paula Pant of Afford Anything
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 2661:In this episode, Diania Merriam narrates Paula Pant's blog post on AffordAnything.com, discussing three unconventional approaches to significantly boost savings. Paula challenges conventional financial advice, suggesting an 80/20 budgeting approach, earning more through side gigs, and making earth-shattering changes to cut back on significant expenses.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/3-unconventional-ways-super-charge-savings/Quotes to ponder:"Earning extra money, and saving every dime of that excess income, is the single fastest and best way to super-charge your savings rate. Why? In one word: Habit." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 18, 2024 • 10min
2660: [Part 2] The Stages Of Financial Management by Andrea Joy of Saving Joyfully on Paying Down Debt
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 2660:In this episode, Diania Merriam continues to narrate Andrea Joy's blog post, "The Stages of Financial Management - Part 2." Andrea reflects on her journey through financial stages, discussing her struggles in making the right financial choices, sacrifices, and gradual progress. She highlights her transition from "Teenager" to "Adulting" by sharing personal experiences such as creating a 401k, saving money, paying down debt, and eventually entering the "Mature" stage. The post concludes with a word of warning about the stages of financial management, emphasizing the need for constant evaluation and adaptability.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.savingjoyfully.com/blog/the-stages-of-financial-managementQuotes to ponder:"Recognizing the urgency in progressing to the 'Adulting' stage of financial management is another paradigm shift that can be helpful." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
