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...

Episodes

3159: Luck, Credit, and the FIRE Movement by Sean Mullaney of FI Tax Guy on Financial Independence

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 3159: Sean Mullaney offers a compelling defense of the FIRE movement by reframing it not as a claim to credit or privilege, but as a tool for improving financial outcomes through intentional decision-making. Acknowledging the role of luck, he argues that FIRE equips individuals with a framework to optimize their financial lives regardless of...

May 29, 202514 minEp. 3159

3158: How to Create "Tiny Advantages" and Crush Your Opponents by James Altucher on Investing Advice

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 3158: James Altucher draws a powerful parallel between winning at chess and successful investing: both hinge on consistently building tiny advantages. From choosing debt-free companies with strong cash reserves to aligning with demographic trends, he reveals how small, smart moves compound into big wins, without relying on flashy predictions...

May 28, 20259 minEp. 3158

3157: The 3 Most Important Words in Financial Planning by Erik Carter of Financial Finesse

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 3157: Erik Carter underscores how embracing a margin of safety, a buffer against unpredictability, can transform your entire approach to financial planning, from investing and retirement to insurance and emergency savings. By preparing for less-than-ideal outcomes, you reduce financial stress and increase confidence in your long-term goals, ...

May 27, 202511 minEp. 3157

3156: [Part 2] 5 Ways We Avoided Lifestyle Inflation to Reach Financial Freedom 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 3156: Lisa Harrison shares how she and her husband sidestepped lifestyle inflation to build wealth and achieve financial freedom, without sacrificing joy or connection. Through mindful home buying, curbing consumer habits, and consistently increasing their savings rate, they created a life of intentionality and long-term fulfillment. Read al...

May 26, 202510 minEp. 3156

3155: [Part 1] 5 Ways We Avoided Lifestyle Inflation to Reach Financial Freedom 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 3155: Lisa Harrison shares her personal journey from a youthful splurge on a flashy car to a values-driven commitment to living within her means. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she highlights how avoiding lifestyle inflation, especially with car purchases, became a foundational strategy in her family's path to financial fr...

May 25, 202510 minEp. 3155

3154: Why I Won’t Give My Kids An Allowance by Andy Hill of Marriage, Kids and 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 3154: Andy Hill challenges the traditional notion of giving kids an allowance by linking money to effort through “Chore Money.” His approach teaches children real-world financial principles, like earning through value, saving early, and understanding limits, while also sparking entrepreneurial thinking from a young age. Read along with the o...

May 25, 202510 minEp. 3154

3153: The Percentage Of People With No Wealth Outside Their Home Is Sad by Sam of Financial Samurai

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 3153: Sam from Financial Samurai sheds light on a growing financial vulnerability in America: nearly 30% of households have no investments beyond their primary residence. He explores how financial trauma, wage stagnation, and lack of education have led to under-diversification, urging readers to adopt a more balanced wealth-building strategy...

May 24, 202513 minEp. 3153

3152: How Can You Afford to Travel the World? by Paula Pant of Afford Anything on Money Lessons

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 3152: Paula Pant shares how long-term, global travel can be surprisingly attainable, not just for the wealthy, but for anyone willing to rethink their financial priorities. By breaking down the cost of international living and comparing it to typical expenses back home, she reveals how travel can actually be more affordable than staying put....

May 23, 202513 minEp. 3152

3151: The Time Value of Money (or why 25 years of cable TV doesn't cost as much as you think) by Stephen Popick with GRS

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 3151: Stephen Popick unpacks the often-misunderstood concept of the time value of money, showing why recurring expenses like cable TV aren’t as costly in today’s dollars as they appear over decades. By factoring in inflation, investment returns, and personal opportunity costs, he makes a compelling case for thoughtful financial planning that...

May 22, 202512 minEp. 3151

3150: 4 Lessons Learned From Our 2nd Rental Property by Julien 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 3150: Julien Saunders shares four hard-earned insights from preparing his second rental property, revealing how time, cash, and strategy shape success in real estate investing. Whether you're considering buying rental properties or just want smarter ways to manage money and stress, his practical lessons offer value beyond property lines. Rea...

May 21, 202512 minEp. 3150

3149: 5 Reasons Why Most Don't Become Wealthy by Brian Tracy on Poor Financial 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 3149: Brian Tracy breaks down the five core reasons most people fail to achieve financial independence, from never realizing wealth is possible for them to lacking long-term perspective. He explains how procrastination, poor financial habits, and indecisiveness prevent many from building real wealth, offering actionable mindset shifts for an...

May 20, 202511 minEp. 3149

3148: What to Do with That Extra Third Paycheck by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Intentional Spending

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 3148: Kumiko Love shares a strategic guide to making the most of an extra paycheck - a financial opportunity that comes just a few times a year for bi-weekly earners. By prioritizing intentionality over impulse, she outlines how to align this bonus income with your money goals, whether it’s crushing debt, boosting savings, or planning guilt-...

May 19, 202511 minEp. 3148

3147: Get Rich With: the ChaCHING Instinct by Mr. Money Mustache on Financial Independence

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 3147: Mr. Money Mustache explains how developing a “ChaCHING!” instinct, feeling rewarded by not spending money, can radically shift your financial trajectory and mindset. By training yourself to see each avoided purchase as a small win, you increase both your wealth and your freedom without relying on deprivation or strict budgets. Read alo...

May 18, 202512 minEp. 3147

3146: Do Something. Do Anything. by Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness on Trading Perfection for Progress

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 3146: Steve Kamb delivers a powerful reminder that action beats inaction every time, even if that action isn’t perfect. By showing how small, messy steps forward can overcome analysis paralysis and build momentum, he makes a compelling case for trading perfectionism for progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerd...

May 18, 202512 minEp. 3146

3145: Why I’m Grateful For My Student Loan Debt by Jen Hayes on Money Transformation 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 3145: Jen Hayes reflects on how student loan debt, while burdensome, became a catalyst for personal growth, minimalism, and financial transformation. Her story challenges conventional thinking about debt, offering a powerful perspective shift that turns regret into gratitude. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes...

May 17, 202512 minEp. 3145

3144: The Single Most Important Trait That Defines Personal Finance Success 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 3144: Robert Farrington unpacks how personal accountability is the ultimate driver of financial success, highlighting that it's not just about numbers, it's about owning every financial decision and its consequences. By outlining five progressive levels of accountability, he offers a roadmap to build lasting habits that lead to financial cla...

May 16, 202514 minEp. 3144

3143: Working the ESI Scale to Financial Independence by ESI of ESI Money on Saving and Investing

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 3143: ESI breaks down the path to financial independence using a simple scale to evaluate your earning, saving, and investing skills, from disaster to excellent. He argues that success in one area can't compensate for failure in another, and that most people should aim for excellence in earning or saving, since investing is rarely a true str...

May 15, 202511 minEp. 3143

3142: Don't Get Burned by FIRE by Jaime of Keep Thrifty on How to Find Balance with Living and Saving 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 3142: Jaime of KeepThrifty challenges the conventional pursuit of early retirement by unpacking the emotional and physical burnout that can come with chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Rather than idolizing the hustle or rigid savings goals, Jaime encourages a return to values-driven living, where balance, intention, and fu...

May 14, 202511 minEp. 3142

3141: Craft a Better Life Than Your Parents by Craig Stephens of Retire Before Dad on Intentional 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 3141: Craig Stephens reflects on the transformative power of parenthood, showing how it can awaken a deeper sense of purpose and drive to improve upon the life paths laid by previous generations. By redefining what a "better life" truly means, beyond wealth or early retirement, he encourages us to live with intention, model lasting values fo...

May 13, 202513 minEp. 3141

3140: A Different Way of Looking at Spending by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Mindful Consumption

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 3140: J. Money invites readers to transform everyday spending into acts of conscious support by reframing expenses as contributions to the people, businesses, and causes we value. This mindset shift turns ordinary transactions into opportunities for connection, empowerment, and gratitude, making each dollar feel more intentional and meaningf...

May 12, 202510 minEp. 3140

3139: Want to Be a Better Investor? Stop Staring at Your Portfolio by Vitaliy Katsenelson 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 3139: Vitaliy Katsenelson argues that obsessively monitoring your portfolio can lead to emotional decision-making and worse investment outcomes. Instead, he urges investors to zoom out, think long term, and treat investing more like watching paint dry, boring, but ultimately rewarding. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://co...

May 11, 202512 minEp. 3139

3138: Giving Up the Lottery Fantasy by Chris Guillebeau on How to Build A Life Rooted in Purpose and Autonomy

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 3138: Chris Guillebeau reflects on the allure of the lottery fantasy and shares why he’s chosen to let it go for good. Instead of hoping for sudden wealth, he champions the satisfaction of building a life rooted in purpose, autonomy, and earned success, an empowering reminder to create the life we want, rather than wish for it. Read along wi...

May 11, 202511 minEp. 3138

3137: Preferred vs Common Stocks: How Do They Differ by Amy Blacklock and Vicki Cook with Women Who 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 3137: Amy Blacklock and Vicki Cook explain the key differences between common and preferred stocks, offering clarity on how each type fits distinct investment goals. While common stocks offer growth and voting rights, preferred stocks provide consistent income and greater claim to assets, making it crucial to align your choice with your fina...

May 10, 202514 minEp. 3137

3136: Bankruptcy and Debt: You Can Come Out Stronger in the End by Tracie with Jackie Beck

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 3136: Tracie shares her deeply personal journey from bankruptcy to financial freedom, offering a raw, relatable look at the emotional toll of debt and the power of persistence. By embracing budgeting, ditching credit cards, and staying committed alongside her husband, she proves that it's possible to come back stronger, wiser, and debt-free....

May 09, 202511 minEp. 3136

3135: Do What You Hate to Do What You Love by Chris Reining on Financial Independence

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 3135: Chris Reining challenges the popular career advice to "do what you love" by showing how it's often wiser, and more sustainable, to do what you hate so that you can eventually afford the freedom to pursue what you love. With humor and insight, he illustrates how financial independence is really about creating options, not chasing passio...

May 08, 20259 minEp. 3135

3134: Your Retirement Checklist by Mike Ballew of Egg Stack on Financial Freedom and Money Goals

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 3134: Mike Ballew delivers a no-nonsense breakdown of the essential financial and logistical steps to take before retiring, from ditching debt and adjusting investments to creating an end-of-life plan. His straight-talking approach helps listeners understand why guessing isn’t a strategy when it comes to building a secure, lasting retirement...

May 07, 202511 minEp. 3134

3133: How Does Mental Health Affect Your Financial Health by Lyle Soloman with Fiology

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 3133: Lyle Soloman explores the deep, often overlooked connection between mental well-being and financial stability, revealing how issues like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can lead to impulsive spending, financial neglect, and mounting debt. By identifying patterns and making strategic adjustments during times of clarity, Soloman...

May 06, 202514 minEp. 3133

3132: [Part 2] Save Money Where It Matters Most by Corey of The Fioneers on Financial Focus

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 3132: Corey from The Fioneers emphasizes the importance of focusing on the "big three" expenses, housing, transportation, and food, to meaningfully boost savings without losing balance in life. By simplifying your financial focus, you gain more mental space to design a fulfilling life, rather than obsessively chasing financial independence a...

May 05, 202512 minEp. 3132

3131: [Part 1] Save Money Where It Matters Most by Corey of The Fioneers on Financial Independence

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 3131: Corey of The Fioneers breaks down how focusing on the “big three” expenses, housing, transportation, and food, can dramatically improve your financial flexibility and fast-track your path to financial independence. With real-life examples and a mindset rooted in value over status, this post illustrates how intentional choices can save ...

May 04, 202511 minEp. 3131

3130: How to Communicate With Your Partner When You Disagree by Corey Allan on Money Disagreements

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 3130: Corey Allan explores practical ways couples can navigate disagreements without damaging their connection, especially when core values or lifestyle changes like minimalism are at stake. Drawing on insights from marital research, he outlines respectful communication strategies that allow each partner to stay true to themselves while nurt...

May 04, 202510 minEp. 3130
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