

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

Feb 29, 2024 • 10min
2639: Questions to Ask When Applying for a Loan by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Financial Decision
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 2639:Jeff Rose of GoodFinancialCents.com offers pivotal guidance on the contemplations needed before taking out a personal loan. Highlighting the importance of understanding one's financial goals, the amount needed, and the terms of repayment, Rose's insights aim to empower individuals to make informed, strategic decisions about borrowing, ensuring financial health and stability.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/questions-to-ask-when-applying-for-loan/Quotes to ponder:"Before you take out a personal loan, take a close look at your financial picture to determine if it’s the right financial tool for your needs.""While personal loans can provide cash for many different needs, it’s important to make sure you only borrow what you can afford to repay." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 28, 2024 • 11min
2638: Breaking the Stress Spending Cycle by Kristin Wong with Get Rich Slowly on Emotional & Conscious Consumerism
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 2638:Kristin Wong's exploration of "Breaking the Stress Spending Cycle" on GetRichSlowly.org delves into the perils of emotional and convenience spending triggered by stress. Wong shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies to combat impulsive purchases, emphasizing the importance of conscious consumerism and the impact of stress spending on financial goals and health. Her insights offer valuable lessons on breaking the cycle through self-awareness and proactive planning.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/breaking-the-stress-spending-cycle/Quotes to ponder:"I stress spend. I get mad at my bad decision. This adds to my stress. I stress spend." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 2024 • 10min
2637: Are Those Golden Handcuffs On Too Tight? by Helene Massicotte of Free to Pursue on Financial Independence & 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 2637:Helene Massicotte of FreeToPursue.com challenges the allure of "golden handcuffs," the financial incentives that keep us tethered to jobs that might not fulfill us. Through her personal journey and practical advice, she explores the importance of financial independence, the illusion of security from employer-provided benefits, and the value of pursuing a life defined by more than just monetary gains.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.freetopursue.com/blog/2016/5/10/are-those-golden-handcuffs-on-too-tightQuotes to ponder:"You are an economic unit. You know your job is to maximize the resources you have at your disposal to lead the best life you can lead.""If the only reasons you can think of to stay with your current employer are monetary, and your work life is an important way in which you define yourself, it's time to take a hard look at your situation."Episode references:Risk Parity Radio: https://www.riskparityradio.com/Mindy on Money podcast "Diania Merriam and mindset: from scarcity to abundance": https://mindyonmoney.com/s1/10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 26, 2024 • 10min
2636: Understanding 401k Loans by Mike Ballew of EggStack on Double Taxation & Financial Ruin
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 2636:Mike Ballew of EggStack.com delves into the intricacies of 401(k) loans, highlighting the consequences such as lost investment opportunities, the impact on future contributions, and the double taxation dilemma. Ballew advises against 401(k) loans, suggesting lifestyle adjustments or hardship withdrawals as preferable alternatives, underlining the importance of preserving retirement savings for financial security.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://eggstack.com/blog/2021-06-13-Understanding-401(k)-Loans/Quotes to ponder:"A 401(k) loan is a bad idea. Not only does it do significant harm to your retirement savings, it places you at risk for a calamity that could lead to your financial ruin." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 25, 2024 • 9min
2635: Money Can’t Buy Happiness (Trust Me, I’ve Tried) by Jane Hwangbo with NoSidebar on Consumerism
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 2635:Jane Hwangbo shares a poignant journey from consumerism to purposeful living in "Money Can’t Buy Happiness (Trust Me, I’ve Tried)" on NoSidebar.com. Through personal anecdotes of lavish spending, emotional turmoil, and ultimate realization, Hwangbo illustrates the emptiness of materialism and the fulfillment found in serving others. Her story is a compelling testament to reevaluating what truly matters in life.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/important/Quotes to ponder:"When you build a financial life based on consuming, you feel like there’s a bottomless pit inside you.""Now I know that I’m nobody unless I’m helping somebody." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 25, 2024 • 11min
2634: The Foodie's Guide to Getting Fit by Rachel Trotta on How To Identify Your Relationship with Food
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 2634:Rachel Trotta explores the balance between savoring food and maintaining fitness goals in "The Foodie’s Guide to Getting Fit." She encourages readers to differentiate between a love for food and unhealthy eating habits, offering strategies for appreciating food within the context of a healthy lifestyle. Trotta's insights help food enthusiasts navigate the journey towards a better relationship with eating without sacrificing their epicurean pleasures.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.racheltrotta.com/fitness/the-foodies-guide-to-getting-fit/Quotes to ponder:"What we do EVERY DAY matters more than what we do ONCE IN A WHILE.""The most basic self-reflection question you can ask is: What food behaviors improve quality of my life, and which food behaviors take away from quality of life?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 2024 • 11min
2633: How to Save Money by Spending Money on Yourself (No, Really) by Charlie Johnson with JackieBeck.com
Charlie Johnson, a financial expert, shares his unique strategy for managing money and escaping $25,000 in credit card debt within four months. He emphasizes the importance of spending on what genuinely enhances life, introducing a ranking system based on the 80-20 rule. By prioritizing meaningful experiences and cutting unnecessary costs, Johnson advocates for a happier, more balanced approach to finances. He also discusses helpful budgeting apps like Monarch, empowering listeners to engage with their financial habits more effectively.

Feb 23, 2024 • 12min
2632: The Secret to Financial Discipline, Confidence, and Better Results? A Planning Mindset! 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 2632:Kathleen Coxwell of NewRetirement.com reveals that adopting a "planning mindset" is pivotal for financial success. This approach emphasizes strategic thinking, time management, and flexibility, guiding individuals towards achieving their goals more efficiently. Coxwell's insights encourage readers to shift focus towards process-oriented thinking to cultivate discipline, confidence, and improved financial outcomes.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/planning-mindset-happy-retirement/Quotes to ponder:"People with a planning mindset are proactive, forward-thinking, and tend to be more successful in reaching their objectives compared to those who do not prioritize planning." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 22, 2024 • 11min
2631: 10 Easy-to-Follow Money Rules to Improve Your Financial Health by Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You to Be Rich
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 2631:Ramit Sethi shares transformative financial wisdom in "10 Easy-to-Follow Money Rules to Improve Your Financial Health," offering a personalized approach to managing finances. From maintaining a year's worth of emergency funds to investing in one's health and education without limits, Sethi emphasizes the importance of creating financial rules that align with individual values and priorities, encouraging readers to tailor these guidelines to forge their path to financial wellness.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/money-rules/Quotes to ponder:"The key to building financial health is to give yourself rules, but make them work for you.""Your money rules are just as much about investing in yourself, especially when that investment can help you make even more money."Episode references:"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/books/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 2024 • 10min
2630: Good Financial Habits You Learn from Being in Debt by Good Nelly with HelloBrownlow on Budgeting, Value of Money & Frugal Living
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 2630:Good Nelly, writing for HelloBrownlow.com, highlights the transformative power of overcoming debt and how it can instigate the adoption of sound financial habits. Through the crucible of debt repayment, individuals learn the importance of budgeting, the value of money, frugality, and the discernment between wants and needs, setting a foundation for a secure financial future and imparting valuable lessons on money management to the next generation.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2018/12/19/what-good-financial-habits-you-learn-from-being-in-debt/Quotes to ponder:"When you try to pay off debt, every cent counts. So, you develop the habit of tracking each and every dollar you earn.""Following good financial habits is not enough; it is also your responsibility to teach your children about strong financial habits." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices