

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 9, 2024 • 11min
2649: 4 Different Types Of Investments Beginners Should Know About by Courtney Luke of Arrest Your 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 2649:Courtney Luke from ArrestYourDebt.com demystifies the world of investing for novices, offering a concise guide to four fundamental investment types suitable for beginners. With an emphasis on accessibility and risk management, Luke's insights aim to equip new investors with the knowledge needed to start building a diversified portfolio confidently.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://arrestyourdebt.com/investments-beginners-should-know-about/Quotes to ponder:"Investors must be as familiar as possible with the sector of their chosen ETF." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 8, 2024 • 10min
2648: [Part 2] Could You Be Saving Too Much Money? by Jessica Jokisch of ChristineLuken.com
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 2648:Jessica Jokisch, with insights from ChristineLuken.com, explores the delicate balance between saving for the future and living for the moment in "Could You Be Saving Too Much Money? - Part 2". She advocates for investing in experiences, or "memory capital," that enrich our lives, and discusses the strategic benefits of giving to charity and family earlier rather than later. Her message is clear: intentional spending can lead to a fuller, more joyful life.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/could-you-be-saving-too-much-money/Quotes to ponder:"You’re buying memories with friends and family that you can relive in your mind or by telling the stories to other people.""By giving money to your kids, nieces, and nephews before they’re a half-century old, you can give them the magical trifecta: money, time, and health!""The ultimate goal of money is to support your happiness, both now and later."Episode references:Happy Money: The New Science of Smarter Spending by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Science-Smarter-Spending/dp/1451665067 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2024 • 9min
2647: [Part 1] Could You Be Saving Too Much Money? by Jessica Jokisch of ChristineLuken.com
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 2647:Jessica Jokisch with ChristineLuken.com challenges the conventional wisdom of over-saving in her thought-provoking piece, drawing on insights from Bill Perkins' "Die with Zero." She advocates for a balanced approach to spending and saving, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life's experiences before it's too late. Jokisch's perspective encourages readers to rethink their financial strategies to ensure they're not just accumulating wealth, but also creating meaningful memories.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/could-you-be-saving-too-much-money/Quotes to ponder:"Saved money is meant to be spent, at least eventually!""Some life experiences are better when you’re younger."Episode references:Die with Zero by Bill Perkins: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358567092/Project Big Life Life Expectancy Calculator: https://www.projectbiglife.ca/life-expectancy-calculator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2024 • 11min
2646: 401(k) Loans: What Are Their Pros and Cons? by Amanda of Women Who Money on Financial Planning
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 2646:Amanda from WomenWhoMoney.com explores the nuanced landscape of 401(k) loans, offering a comprehensive guide on their benefits and drawbacks. She delves into the mechanics of borrowing against your 401(k), the implications of such decisions, and provides thoughtful insights on why this option, while tempting, should be approached with caution. This episode promises a deeper understanding of 401(k) loans, empowering listeners with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/401k-loan-pros-cons/Quotes to ponder:"Borrowing from your 401(k) is essentially borrowing money from yourself, but there’s much more to it than that.""The interest rate for a 401(k) loan is commonly 1-2% more than the prime rate.""Most people don’t have pensions anymore, so many will rely on the money saved in their 401(k) to get them by in retirement." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 5, 2024 • 11min
2645: How To Make Time Equal Money 24 Hours A Day by Steve Chou of My Wife Quit Her Job
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 2645:Discovering the profound truth behind "Time is money," the author shares a personal journey of realization, sparked by the demands of business and parenthood. The narrative explores the cost of undervaluing one's time through real-life examples, highlighting the shift towards valuing time by investing in activities that yield long-term benefits. This reflection encourages readers to reassess how they budget their time, focusing on projects that offer sustained value rather than short-term savings.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mywifequitherjob.com/how-to-make-time-equal-money-24-hours-a-day/Quotes to ponder:"Time is not valuable until you do something valuable with it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 4, 2024 • 10min
2644: Making The Case For Higher Pay - Why 3 Percent Raises Suck by Chris Reining
Exploring the benefits of pursuing significant salary increases over settling for standard 3% raises, maximizing earnings while minimizing expenses, boosting savings for financial independence, and managing career as a valuable asset.

Mar 3, 2024 • 13min
2643: What Type of Investment Account Do I Open? by Robert Farrington of The College Investor
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 2643:Robert Farrington of TheCollegeInvestor.com demystifies the process of choosing the right investment account, crucial for beginners in the investing world. From brokerage to retirement accounts, he covers the essentials, including tax implications and investment strategies, guiding you to make informed decisions tailored to your financial goals and circumstances.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thecollegeinvestor.com/1330/type-investment-account-open/Quotes to ponder:"If you are just getting started investing, and don't plan on accessing your investments until retirement, you should consider a retirement account." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2024 • 11min
2642: 6 Simple Ways to Create Alone Time in a Crowded Room by Liz Greene of Introvert Dear
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 2642:Liz Greene of Introvert Dear.com shares invaluable strategies for introverts to carve out moments of solitude even in bustling environments. Her insights offer practical methods for managing sensory overload and nurturing the relationship with oneself amidst the chaos of crowded spaces.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://introvertdear.com/news/alone-introverts-crowded-room/Quotes to ponder:"Compared to extroverts, introverts have a higher baseline level of arousal and use increased mental resources when processing external stimuli.""Headphones are the introvert’s best friend. Not only do they allow us to drown out intrusive noise, they’re also a well-known social cue to leave the wearer alone.""Reading is one of the best ways to lower your heart rate, relieve muscle tension, and reduce overall stress. And, strangely enough, reading is one of the ways many introverts socialize."Episode references:Study on reading and stress reduction: https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4245076.reading-can-help-reduce-stress-according-to-university-of-sussex-research/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 2, 2024 • 12min
2641: How To Talk To Your Kids About Money & Prepare Them To Be Financially Independent Adults 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 2641:Christina Browning of OurRichJourney.com shares transformative insights on educating kids about financial independence through simple, relatable experiences. She emphasizes starting financial education early, incorporating discussions on earning, saving, and investing money into everyday conversations, thus preparing children for a financially savvy adulthood.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-moneyQuotes to ponder:"Talk to them about money, talk to them about debt, and talk to them about investing - because the earlier you begin talking to your children about money, the better prepared they’ll be to achieve financial independence as an adult.""Money should not be a taboo subject. It touches every aspect of our lives every single day.""You’ll be amazed by what children can grasp when it comes to learning about money." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 1, 2024 • 10min
2640: Proof You Can Royally Mess Up with Money and Still Retire Early by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster
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 2640:Lisa Harrison of MadMoneyMonster.com shares a powerful message of hope and resilience in personal finance, illustrating that even with a history of financial missteps, achieving early retirement is still within reach. Through her own journey and mistakes with money, Lisa highlights the transformative power of adopting a frugal mindset, investing wisely, and the importance of not letting past errors define your financial future.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2018/01/25/proof-can-royally-mess-up-money-still-retire-early/Quotes to ponder:"Right around that same time, we committed to living a frugal lifestyle and making the state of our finances a major priority in our lives. What we wanted most of all were options. And we realized that money gives you options.""We’re living proof that you can royally mess up with money and still retire early, really early." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices