

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

Dec 23, 2023 • 9min
2561: 3 Numbers That Matter More Than Your Credit Score by Kelley Long of Financial Finesse on Net Worth and Financial 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 2561:Kelley Long from FinancialFinesse.com emphasizes the importance of focusing on net worth, retirement readiness, and emergency funds over obsessing about credit scores. These three key financial indicators offer a more comprehensive and meaningful assessment of financial health, guiding towards true financial freedom and stability.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2016/06/22/3-numbers-that-matter-more-than-your-credit-score/Quotes to ponder:"Life happens and when it does, having cash that’s easily accessible takes away much of the financial stress." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 2023 • 11min
2560: Investment Fees Are The Worst by Wanderer of Millennial Revolution on MER and Mutual Funds
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 2560:Wanderer from Millennial Revolution brings to light the hidden, damaging impact of investment fees, especially in mutual funds. By comparing the long-term effects of Management Expense Ratios (MERs) in mutual funds versus lower-cost ETFs, the article reveals how even small percentages can significantly reduce investment returns over time.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/invest/investment-fees-are-the-worst/Quotes to ponder:"Investment fees usually don’t appear in your statement, and are instead embedded inside your mutual fund and taken silently out of the fund’s performance.""The more you pay, the worse the performance, because that fee just eats into your returns." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 2023 • 11min
2559: 6 Ways to Lower Your Home Insurance by April Dykman of Get Rich Slowly on Financial Savings
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 2259:April Dykman's insightful article from GetRichSlowly.org offers six practical strategies for homeowners to reduce their insurance costs. From ensuring appropriate coverage levels to improving credit scores and consolidating policies, these tips are designed to help homeowners save money and navigate the complexities of home insurance.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/6-ways-to-lower-your-home-insurance/Quotes to ponder:"Making your home more windstorm-resistant, such as adding storm shutters, can lower your insurance premium.""Consolidating your home and auto insurance can save you anywhere from 5 to 15 percent."Episode references:Insurance Information Institute: [https://www.iii.org/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 2023 • 12min
2558: How to Retire: 5 Steps to a Secure Future by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement on Retirement 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 2558:Kathleen Coxwell's guide on retiring securely, regardless of savings, presents a practical five-step plan. It emphasizes the importance of having a purpose, creating and adjusting a retirement plan, exploring financial options, setting a firm retirement date, and embracing the journey with confidence.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/how-to-retire-5-steps-to-a-secure-future-jump-in/Quotes to ponder:"It is best to retire to do something, not just to escape whatever you do to earn money."Episode references:Risk Parity Radio: [https://www.riskparityradio.com/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 2023 • 10min
2557: Our All-Time Favorite Frugal Things to Stuff in a Holiday Stocking by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster on Budget-Free Holidays
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 2557:Lisa Harrison of MadMoneyMonster.com shares creative and budget-friendly ideas for holiday stocking stuffers. Emphasizing thoughtfulness over expense, the article suggests unique gifts like specialty soaps, glass water bottles, and homemade gift certificates, reflecting a blend of practicality and personal touch for a memorable holiday experience.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://madmoneymonster.com/2017/11/27/time-favorite-frugal-things-stuff-holiday-stocking/Quotes to ponder:"A thoughtful gift is much better, and usually more appreciated, than an expensive gift.""It’s really hard to argue with giving or receiving cash. There aren’t any fees that go along with giving gift cards, and it never expires."Episode references:The Simple Path to Wealth by Jim Collins: Link Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2023 • 11min
2556: What Is An Index Fund? by Andrew of Dollar After Dollar on Financial Indexes and Mutual Funds
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 2556:Andrew from DollarAfterDollar.com demystifies index funds, explaining their advantages in diversification, low costs, and broader market exposure. He clarifies how these funds mirror financial indices and are optimal for long-term investment, especially for retirement planning.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.dollarafterdollar.com/what-is-an-index-fund/Quotes to ponder:"Index funds are mutual funds that come with a portfolio designed to track or match a financial index.""An index fund is usually considered to be the ideal portfolio holdings for retirement accounts like the 401k or IRAs.""The basic idea behind an index fund is that by matching the index profile, you will match its performance too." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 17, 2023 • 11min
2555: 4 Reasons Why You Can't Stop Shopping and What to Do About It by Jennifer of Simply Fiercely on Shopping Addiction
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 2555:Jennifer's insightful exploration into the psychology of shopping addiction in "4 Reasons Why You Can’t Stop Shopping and What To Do About It" is a must-listen for anyone struggling with compulsive buying. She articulately delves into the emotional drivers behind shopping and offers practical steps to regain control.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/stop-shopping/Quotes to ponder:"When you’re tempted to buy something, look at the price and ask what’s the true cost? How many hours of your life would you be trading for your purchase?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 17, 2023 • 10min
2554: When in Doubt Be Generous by Jeff Goins of Goins Writer on Personal Growth and Success Strategy
Jeff Goins, writer and speaker, emphasizes the power of generosity as a key to success. He shares personal anecdotes and insights debunking the myth that generosity is a byproduct of success, arguing instead that it's a driving force. Goins illustrates how giving freely leads to personal growth, better work, and more success.

Dec 16, 2023 • 9min
2553: [Part 2] Why Pursue Financial Independence? Because Nothing Lasts Forever by A Purple Life on Corporate Acquisition
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 2553:A Purple Life's article, "Why Pursue Financial Independence? Because Nothing Lasts Forever," delves into the stark reality of corporate acquisitions and the disillusionment that follows. The author reflects on her experience with a once-cherished company being absorbed into a generic corporation, emphasizing the importance of financial independence as a safeguard against such unpredictable changes in the workplace.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurplelife.com/2021/01/26/why-pursue-financial-independence/Quotes to ponder:"People have asked me before if I regret quitting and I always responded 'No,' but after these events unfolded, it’s the first time I’ve actually felt relieved that I quit." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 15, 2023 • 10min
2552: [Part 1] Why Pursue Financial Independence? Because Nothing Lasts Forever by A Purple Life on Life Changes
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 2552:A Purple Life shares a powerful message on the impermanence of life and the importance of financial independence. Through personal experiences, from leaving a dream job in NYC to witnessing a company's unexpected acquisition, the article underscores the reality that nothing lasts forever, emphasizing the value of financial independence as a buffer against life's unpredictable nature.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurplelife.com/2021/01/26/why-pursue-financial-independence/Quotes to ponder:"The only thing guaranteed in life is that nothing is certain and everything changes."Episode references:Awareness by Tony de Mello - Link Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices