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 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
Oct 16, 2025 • 10min
3319: The Fallacy of Homeownership by Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular on The Truth About Buying Homes
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 3319:
Julien Saunders challenges the long-held belief that homeownership is the ultimate symbol of financial success, revealing the hidden costs, inefficiencies, and limitations it often creates. By examining oversized houses, expensive mortgages, underutilized space, and geographic restrictions, he encourages a more intentional approach, buy smaller, avoid unnecessary debt, and prioritize flexibility over blind adherence to the “American Dream.”
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/the-fallacy-of-homeownership/
Quotes to ponder:
"If homeownership was such a sure shot to building wealth, wouldn’t we know more wealthy people?"
"Borrowing the maximum allowable amount of money for a home benefits banks, not you."
Episode references:
The Declaration of Independence: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 15, 2025 • 11min
3318: [Part 2] Are You Feeling Lucky? The Two Schools of Retirement Income by Darrow Kirkpatrick on Retirement Planning Basics
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 3318:
Darrow Kirkpatrick unpacks the real distinction in retirement income strategies, not between risk and safety, but between who manages the risk, you or an insurance company. He argues for a flexible, hybrid approach that evolves over time, matching both your temperament and life circumstances, rather than locking into an all-or-nothing decision early on.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/are-you-feeling-lucky-the-two-schools-of-retirement-income/
Quotes to ponder:
“‘Probability-based’ and ‘safety-first’ label the extremes in retirement planning.”
“The real distinction is whether (market and longevity) risk is transferred or retained, and if retained how those risks are managed or avoided.”
“Once you buy an annuity, you own that decision for life.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 14, 2025 • 12min
3317: [Part 1] Are You Feeling Lucky? The Two Schools of Retirement Income by Darrow Kirkpatrick on Retirement Planning Basics
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 3317:
Darrow Kirkpatrick explores the two dominant schools of retirement income planning: probability-based strategies, which rely on investment growth and withdrawal methods, and safety-first approaches, which prioritize guaranteed income through annuities or bonds. He highlights the strengths and pitfalls of each, noting that the most practical solution for many retirees is often a thoughtful combination of both philosophies.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/are-you-feeling-lucky-the-two-schools-of-retirement-income/
Quotes to ponder:
"In the safety-first philosophy, you, or a financial planner, match guaranteed income to essential expenses."
"A failure probability in the neighborhood of 10% is often considered acceptable. That’s one chance in ten."
"Failure is defined as running out of money before running out of life."
Episode references:
Michael Kitces: https://www.kitces.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 13, 2025 • 9min
3316: The Downsides to Owning Out of State Rental Properties by Joel of 5AM Joel on Hidden Risks of Rentals
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 3316:
Joel shares the real challenges of managing rental properties far from home, from unexpected repair costs and multiple state tax filings to navigating local laws and building trust with teams you’ve never met in person. With practical strategies and personal lessons learned, he shows how to handle these obstacles while reminding us why real estate can still be worth the effort.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://5amjoel.com/downsides-out-of-state-rental-properties/
Quotes to ponder:
“It’s hard to build a trustworthy real estate team especially when doing it all over the phone!”
“Small political changes can have huge effects on the profitability of your investments.”
“If you want rainbows you have to put up with the rain.”
Episode references:
Long-Distance Real Estate Investing: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Distance-Real-Estate-Investing-Financial/dp/1947200038
The Speed of Trust: https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Trust-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/1416549005 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 12, 2025 • 12min
3315: Control The Urge To Splurge: How To Save More Money by Sam of Financial Samurai on Smart Money Habits
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 3315:
Sam Dogen explores the psychology behind overspending and how to recognize the emotional triggers that lead to impulse purchases. By shifting focus toward long-term satisfaction, building awareness, and setting up practical guardrails, he shows how to resist the urge to splurge and create a healthier relationship with money.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/controlling-the-urge-to-splurge/
Quotes to ponder:
"Splurging is like eating that extra piece of chocolate cake when you’re already full."
"The more you can highlight the negatives of splurging, the easier it is to resist."
"Once you accept that splurging will never provide lasting happiness, you’ll be free." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 12, 2025 • 9min
3314: Listen and Learn From Successful Athletes by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Building a Winner’s Mindset
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 3314:
Ross Enamait highlights the importance of learning from the journeys of accomplished athletes, not just their victories. By listening to their struggles, persistence, and adaptability, we gain practical lessons that extend far beyond sports and can fuel personal growth in any field.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2015/07/20/listen-and-learn-from-successful-athletes/
Quotes to ponder:
"One of the best ways to learn is by listening to those who have come before you."
"You can always find value in listening to someone who has been there and done that."
"Success is rarely the result of a straight path, but instead a journey filled with ups and downs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 11, 2025 • 9min
3313: Why Student Loans are Not “Good” Debt by Jen Hayes on Rethinking Education Loans
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 3313:
Jen Hayes challenges the common belief that student loans are “good debt,” showing how high interest, limited return on investment, and the inability to discharge loans in bankruptcy can create a lifelong financial burden. She urges students to consider alternatives, such as working and saving before pursuing a degree, and to be strategic about choosing affordable education paths with practical majors.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me/student-loans-bad-debt/
Quotes to ponder:
"Interest on student loans compounds, this means that the interest itself collects interest."
"Student loan debt, unlike most other forms of debt, cannot be eliminated during bankruptcy."
"Whatever you decide to do, don’t believe the lie that student loans are 'good' debt." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
3312: How One Pay Raise Can Lead to Debt Freedom by Andy Hill of Marriage Kids and Money on Smart Money Choices
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 3312:
Andy Hill shares how a single pay raise became the spark that transformed his financial future. Instead of succumbing to lifestyle creep, he and his wife used the extra income to eliminate debt, build wealth, and ultimately gain the freedom to design their life around their values rather than consumerism. His story highlights how intentional choices can turn small wins into long-term financial independence.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/how-one-pay-raise-can-inspire-debt-freedom
Quotes to ponder:
“Although these purchases, moments and experiences brought me a ton of joy, the ‘I want it now’ nature of them left me with a sizable amount of debt.”
“As much as I REALLY enjoyed vacations, eating nice dinners and partying with my friends, I was now more excited about ridding debt from my life and increasing my net worth.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 9, 2025 • 9min
3311: Why Choose An Independent Life Insurance Agent by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on 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 3311:
Jeff Rose explains why working with an independent life insurance agent can simplify the often confusing process of finding coverage. Unlike exclusive agents tied to one company, independent agents compare policies across multiple insurers, helping clients, especially those with unique health conditions or risky hobbies, secure better rates and tailored options. With no conflicts of interest, they act as unbiased guides to ensure individuals find the most affordable and suitable protection for their needs.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/independent-life-insurance-agent/
Quotes to ponder:
"Your rates are tied to your health."
"Working with an independent agent is not only the best way to get affordable life insurance, it’s one of the easiest as well."
"There is no 'perfect amount' of life insurance that works well for everyone." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
