Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice - podcast cover

Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriamoldpodcast.com
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...
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Episodes

3207: Moderate and Selective Frugality by ESI on Intentional Spending and A Balanced Lifestyle

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 3207: ESI explores the idea of “moderate and selective frugality,” contrasting it with the extreme frugality of the Amish as described in Money Secrets of the Amish. He emphasizes seeking value over the lowest price, spending intentionally on what brings joy, and balancing frugality with a focus on growing income. This thoughtful approach en...

Jul 10, 202510 minEp. 3207

3206: 6 Types of Credit Cards You Need to Avoid by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Financial Security

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 3206: Many credit cards promise rewards and flexibility, but as Kumiko warns, certain types can trap you in debt and threaten your financial security. From deferred interest schemes to credit cards secured by your home or bank account, these offers often prey on vulnerable consumers. Learn how to spot these dangers and protect your financial...

Jul 09, 202511 minEp. 3206

3205: Will Credit Inquiries Hurt Your Credit Score by Miranda Marquit with Good Financial Cents

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 3205: Your credit score plays a crucial role in securing loans, housing, and favorable interest rates, but not all credit inquiries affect it the same way. Miranda Marquit explains the difference between harmless soft inquiries and the minor impact of hard inquiries, offering practical tips to protect your score while shopping for the best f...

Jul 08, 202511 minEp. 3205

3204: Are Condos a Bad Real Estate Investment for Financial Independence 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 3204: Buying a condo may seem like an affordable entry into real estate investing, but Christina Browning highlights the hidden challenges from unpredictable HOA fees and changing rental rules to deferred maintenance and limited flexibility that can jeopardize your financial independence plans. This eye-opening guide helps investors understa...

Jul 07, 202514 minEp. 3204

3203: How I Rebalanced Through Perilous Times by Darrow Kirkpatrick on Investing During Market Volatility

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 3203: Darrow Kirkpatrick shares how a low-effort, disciplined rebalancing approach can help investors stay steady during market volatility while avoiding emotional mistakes. His rules emphasize simplicity, tax efficiency, and letting natural portfolio flows do the work, a strategy that helped him retire securely at 50. Discover how “benign n...

Jul 06, 202511 minEp. 3203

3202: 7 Ways to Save on Wedding Food and Alcohol by Jen Hayes on Financial Advice for Marriage

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 3202: Planning a memorable wedding on a modest budget is possible, and Jen Hayes shares practical strategies to make it happen. From choosing buffets or lunch receptions to skipping costly champagne pours and considering limited host bars, these tips can help you cut thousands from your food and alcohol costs while still hosting a celebratio...

Jul 06, 202510 minEp. 3202

3201: The Minimum Payment Trap: Escape it to Change Your Money Story by Jackie Beck on 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 3201: Jackie Beck reveals how making only minimum debt payments can silently trap you in a cycle of stress, limited freedom, and financial dependency. By recognizing your “Freedom Number” and intentionally paying down debt, you can reclaim your time, energy, and ultimately, your life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www...

Jul 05, 202511 minEp. 3201

3200: The Values of Value Investing by Vitaliy Katsenelson of Contrarian Edge on Stock Market Valuations

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 3200: Vitaliy Katsenelson challenges the simplistic notion that value investing is about buying only the cheapest stocks. Drawing on insights from Ben Graham, Charlie Munger, and Warren Buffett, he reveals that true value lies not just in low prices but in the blend of quality, growth, and sound judgment proving that a Motel 6 mindset won't ...

Jul 04, 202512 minEp. 3200

3199: 7 Steps To Your Financial Independence Day by Tania Brown with Financial Finesse on Building Wealth

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 3199: Tania Brown lays out a practical, empowering path to financial freedom through seven foundational steps, from building a strong emergency fund to establishing an estate plan. Her guidance emphasizes self-reliance, smart tax strategies, and intentional investing to reduce money-related stress and secure long-term independence. Read alon...

Jul 03, 202510 minEp. 3199

3198: Stocks - Part III: Most People Lose Money In The Market by JL Collins on The Psychology of Money

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 3198: J.L. Collins reveals the psychological traps that cause most investors to lose money in the stock market, despite its long-term upward trend. From panic selling to the illusion of stock-picking skill, he outlines how emotional decisions, media noise, and overconfidence sabotage returns and why the smartest move is often the simplest: s...

Jul 02, 202513 minEp. 3198

3197: Is There A Reason You’re Checking Your Investments Several Times A Day by Gordon Stein of Cash Flow Cookbook

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 3197: Gordon Stein explores how frequently checking your investments can sabotage long-term gains by feeding into emotional decision-making. With compelling analogies and practical advice, he highlights why a disciplined, low-intervention approach anchored in diversification and quarterly rebalancing is the key to wealth-building without str...

Jul 01, 202512 minEp. 3197

3196: The One Question Successful Investors Always Ask Themselves by Chris Reining on Optimizing Portfolios

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 3196: Chris Reining explores how behavioral biases like the endowment effect and loss aversion distort investment decisions, often leading us to cling to poor choices out of fear or attachment. By asking a single powerful question, “Would I buy this today?” investors can cut through emotional baggage and make clearer, smarter decisions that ...

Jun 30, 202511 minEp. 3196

3195: A Simple Abundance Mini-Challenge by Steve Pavlina on Overcoming A Scarcity 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 3195: Steve Pavlina offers a powerful mindset shift with a small but meaningful challenge: spend a little money on something you genuinely desire but usually deny yourself. This intentional act helps break free from scarcity thinking and nurtures a more joyful, abundant relationship with money, opening the door to unexpected returns and a de...

Jun 29, 202510 minEp. 3195

3194: Why You Can't Eat Healthier by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Mindful Awareness and Self-Judgement

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 3194: Leo Babauta explores the emotional roots of overeating and reveals how mindful awareness can transform compulsive eating into a more conscious, peaceful relationship with food. By identifying patterns of stress, distraction, and self-judgment, he offers simple yet powerful steps toward healing and self-acceptance. Read along with the o...

Jun 29, 202510 minEp. 3194

3193: How Professional Development Benefits Your Finances by Jessica Strull on Financial Wellbeing

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 3193: Jessica Strull explores how investing in your professional development can directly improve your financial well-being, from earning more money to unlocking new job opportunities and income streams. Beyond the paycheck, continual learning sharpens your thinking, expands your network, and even opens doors to career changes that align bet...

Jun 28, 202510 minEp. 3193

3192: 7 Reasons to Consider Financial Coaching Services by David Baughier of Fiology on Money Management

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 3192: David Baughier lays out seven powerful reasons to bring a financial coach into your life from receiving unbiased advice and tailored strategies to building better habits and staying accountable. If you’ve struggled with debt, financial anxiety, or simply want to reach your money goals faster, this practical breakdown shows how coaching...

Jun 27, 20259 minEp. 3192

3191: Fear Will Hold You Prisoner; a Diversified Portfolio Will Set You Free by FIRECracker of Millennial Revolution

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 3191: FIRECracker shares a powerful personal story about walking away from a corporate career, facing the grip of fear, and finding unexpected freedom through financial independence and a globally diversified portfolio. Her journey proves that with smart planning, it’s possible not only to survive but to thrive, traveling the world, living r...

Jun 26, 202511 minEp. 3191

3190: Why You Shouldn't Pay Off Your Mortgage Early by Jen Hayes on Flexible 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 3190: Jen Hayes challenges the conventional wisdom of rushing to pay off your mortgage, emphasizing that financial decisions should align with individual circumstances. By comparing real-life examples and outlining when early repayment may not be ideal, she encourages a more flexible and personalized approach to financial freedom. Read along...

Jun 25, 202511 minEp. 3190

3189: Frugal Guide to Buying a Used Car by Renee Benes on The True Cost of Car Ownership

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 3189: Renee Benes shares a no-nonsense approach to buying a used car that balances practicality, cost savings, and reliability. From understanding the true cost of ownership to negotiating smarter and prioritizing must-haves, this guide helps frugal buyers navigate the used car market with clarity and confidence. Read along with the original...

Jun 24, 202511 minEp. 3189

3188: 4 Lies Money Gurus Tell You by Christine Luken on Emotional Spending Awareness

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 3188: Christine Luken dismantles common personal finance myths with empathy and clarity, showing how rigid budgets, cookie-cutter formulas, and willpower-based advice often backfire. Instead, she offers empowering alternatives like Prosperity Plans, emotional spending awareness, and habit-based strategies to help you transform your money min...

Jun 23, 202511 minEp. 3188

3187: Should You Get a Car Loan to Improve Your Credit Score? Heck No! 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 3187: Paula Pant unpacks the surprising realities behind auto loans and credit scores, showing why taking on debt just to improve your credit can backfire. With clear insights into how credit scores are calculated, she explains smarter, debt-free ways to boost your score without falling into the trap of unnecessary borrowing. Read along with...

Jun 22, 202512 minEp. 3187

3186: Why You Shouldn’t Optimize Your Life by Nick Maggiulli on Personal Development and Growth

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 3186: Nick Maggiulli explores how the relentless pursuit of optimization, whether in finances, health, or daily decisions, can lead us astray from what truly matters. Using the Iowa Gambling Task as a metaphor, he reveals how life’s value often lies in its uncertainty and imperfections, urging us to prioritize meaningful progress over margin...

Jun 22, 202513 minEp. 3186

3185: What To Do When You Can’t Pay Your Bills by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner on Financial Roadmap

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 3185: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner offers a practical and empowering roadmap for anyone overwhelmed by unpaid bills, emphasizing proactive steps like organizing finances, contacting creditors, and increasing income. Her guidance helps listeners reduce anxiety, avoid damaging financial consequences, and take control of their money with clarity ...

Jun 21, 202511 minEp. 3185

3184: Polarizing Purchases by Tynan on Unlocking Deeper Prosperity and Mindset Success

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 3184: Tynan explores the power of being unapologetically polarizing in a world that often rewards conformity. By standing firmly for your values and making deliberate, even controversial choices, you not only attract like-minded people but also unlock deeper authenticity, trust, and success. Read along with the original article(s) here: http...

Jun 20, 202512 minEp. 3184

3183: The Quickstart Guide to Seller Financing Real Estate by Kalen Bruce on Alternative Investments

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 3183: Kalen Bruce outlines how seller financing allows real estate investors to earn steady income without the headaches of being a landlord and offers an alternative path to homeownership for buyers struggling to secure traditional loans. By cutting out banks, both parties gain flexibility, but not without added risks like buyer default or ...

Jun 19, 202511 minEp. 3183

3182: 9 Things We Would Do if We Won a Million Dollars Tomorrow by Julien and Kiersten Saunders of Rich and Regular

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 3182: Julien and Kiersten Saunders break down how they'd thoughtfully deploy a $1 million windfall, blending financial independence with generosity and smart investing. Their approach offers a grounded roadmap for anyone navigating sudden wealth, with a mix of practical financial moves, community uplift, and modest lifestyle upgrades. Read a...

Jun 18, 202515 minEp. 3182

3181: [Part 2] Frugality Is A Compounding Game by Liz of Frugal Woods on Personal Growth and Self-Reliance

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 3181: Liz from FrugalWoods explores how small frugal habits, like DIY haircuts, trigger a compounding effect that goes beyond money, boosting self-reliance, deepening relationships, and even saving time. Her take on frugality reveals how insourcing everyday tasks can lead to long-term freedom, personal growth, and a stronger sense of capabil...

Jun 17, 202510 minEp. 3181

3180: [Part 1] Frugality Is A Compounding Game by Liz of Frugal Woods on Frugal Living 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 3180: Liz of Frugalwoods lays out a powerful mindset shift: frugality isn’t about deprivation, it’s about compounding small, consistent choices into lasting financial freedom. Through relatable examples like DIY haircuts and slashing repeated monthly expenses, she shows how simplifying life can actually multiply your long-term wealth and hap...

Jun 16, 202514 minEp. 3180

3179: Financial Locker Room Talk by ESI Money on How to Find A Financial Advisor

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 3179: ESI reveals the unsettling truth behind many so-called financial advisors, showing how little expertise some bring to the table, and how much it could cost you. With real-world locker room eavesdropping and a compelling breakdown of AUM fees, this piece empowers you to take charge of your own finances and avoid being sold instead of se...

Jun 15, 202512 minEp. 3179

3178: The Cost of Being a Better Parent by Robert Brokamp with Get Rich Slowly on Financial Sacrifices

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 3178: Robert Brokamp reflects on the personal and financial sacrifices involved in striving to be a more present and intentional parent. His candid insights reveal how prioritizing family over productivity often leads to internal conflict, but also deeper fulfillment and self-awareness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://w...

Jun 15, 202510 minEp. 3178
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