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

2679: 10 Money Questions Every Couple Must Answer 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 2679: In "10 Money Questions Every Couple Must Answer," Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey.com opens up about the personal journey to financial independence she's navigated with her spouse, Amon. She distills over fifteen years of collective wisdom into ten pivotal questions aimed at couples seeking to build a secure, financially transpa...

Apr 04, 202411 minEp. 2679

2678: [Part 2] Conquer 3 Critical Early Retirement Challenges by Redefining Retirement by Chris Mamula of Can I Retire Yet

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 2678: Chris Mamula challenges traditional retirement concepts in "Conquer 3 Critical Early Retirement Challenges by Redefining Retirement - Part 2", advocating for a personalized approach to retirement planning. By questioning societal norms and exploring flexible, meaningful work as part of retirement, Mamula provides insightful strategies ...

Apr 03, 202410 minEp. 2678

2677: [Part 1] Conquer 3 Critical Early Retirement Challenges by Redefining Retirement by Chris Mamula of Can I Retire Yet

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 2677: Chris Mamula shares his journey towards early retirement, tackling the complexities beyond simple savings rates and withdrawal rules. Through his experience, Mamula highlights the nuanced challenges of medical insurance, the unpredictability of financial planning, and the quest for happiness and fulfillment beyond the workforce. His in...

Apr 02, 202410 minEp. 2677

2676: Climb Out Of Massive Debt with These 10 Life Changing Steps 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 2676: Andy Hill of MarriageKidsAndMoney.com shares transformative insights from interviewing over 100 individuals who have successfully navigated out of debt and onto the path of wealth building. Hill's article, "Climb Out Of Massive Debt with These 10 Life-Changing Steps," encapsulates a strategic approach to achieving financial freedom. By...

Apr 01, 202411 minEp. 2676

2675: The Goldilocks Zone of Personal Finance by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data 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 2675: Nick Maggiulli's insightful analysis in "The Goldilocks Zone of Personal Finance" invites readers to discover the balanced state of financial well-being, where neither scarcity nor excess dictates one's life. Drawing from personal anecdotes and scientific research, Maggiulli illustrates the stress associated with both ends of the finan...

Mar 31, 202410 minEp. 2675

2674: Stop Doing S*** You Hate by Isaac Morehouse on Strategic Life Choices & Personal Fulfillment

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 2674: Isaac Morehouse delivers a candid reminder that pursuing what you love requires shedding what drains you. With a blend of humor and wisdom, Morehouse challenges the notion that life's obligations force us into despised activities, advocating instead for strategic life choices that align more closely with personal joy and fulfillment. R...

Mar 31, 202411 minEp. 2674

2673: 7 Ways To Make Money Instead Of Working A Full-Time Job by Courtney Luke of Arrest Your Debt

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 2673: Courtney Luke of ArrestYourDebt.com outlines creative and flexible career paths beyond the conventional 9-5 job in this insightful piece. From investing and freelancing to blogging and teaching, Luke provides a roadmap for generating income with flexibility, allowing for a healthier work-life balance. This guide is invaluable for those...

Mar 30, 202412 minEp. 2673

2672: 4 Reasons To Make Extra Money - It Changed My Life And It Can Change Yours Too! by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

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 2672: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, through her journey detailed on MakingSenseOfCents.com, illustrates the transformative power of side hustles. By leveraging extra time to generate additional income, she not only eradicated her student loan debt but also embarked on a path of financial independence, allowing for travel and entrepreneurship. ...

Mar 29, 20248 minEp. 2672

2671: What Are Mortgage Points (And Should You Buy Them)? by Jeff Rose of 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 2671: Jeff Rose of GoodFinancialCents.com demystifies mortgage points, shedding light on their potential benefits and drawbacks. He navigates through the intricacies of buying points to lower interest rates, the considerations of homeownership duration, and the fluctuating real estate market, offering valuable insights for those pondering th...

Mar 28, 20249 minEp. 2671

2670: Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle and Start Saving by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of 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 2670: In "Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle and Start Saving," Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of WomenWhoMoney.com offer actionable steps to overcome the common yet challenging situation of living from one paycheck to the next. Their guidance is a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with financial insecurity, providing practical strat...

Mar 27, 20249 minEp. 2670

2669: Roots v. Wings: Considering Home Ownership by JL Collins on Embracing the Flexibility of Renting

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 2669: JL Collins's exploration of the emotional and financial facets of homeownership versus renting, "Roots versus Wings," delves into his personal journey from owning houses he didn't love to embracing the flexibility of renting. He contrasts the deep-seated desire for a permanent home with the liberating option of mobility, framing the de...

Mar 26, 202412 minEp. 2669

2668: 7 Steps to Take to Live with Financial Freedom by Neiko Johnson with Money Mini Blog

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 2668: Neiko Johnson with MoneyMiniBlog.com unveils the critical steps toward achieving financial freedom, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal financial goals, creating and adhering to a budget, eliminating debt, saving effectively, and investing in one's future. Johnson's guide is a roadmap for anyone looking to escape the p...

Mar 25, 20249 minEp. 2668

2667: Do You Use Work As An Excuse Not To Reach Financial Independence? by Kevin of Financial Panther

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 2667: Kevin from FinancialPanther.com challenges the notion of using work as an excuse to avoid pursuing financial independence. He argues that even those who enjoy their jobs should strive for financial freedom to truly understand if their work passion stems from interest or necessity. This perspective invites readers to reconsider their sa...

Mar 24, 202410 minEp. 2667

2666: 5 Tips to Make Your Groceries Last Two Weeks by Shawna Scafe of Simple on Purpose

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 2666: Shawna Scafe of Simple on Purpose.ca shares insightful tips on extending grocery shopping to a two-week cycle, a practical approach for those aiming to minimize frequent store visits while adhering to budget and meal planning. This guide not only offers a strategy to tackle the challenge of keeping groceries fresh but also emphasizes t...

Mar 24, 20249 minEp. 2666

2665: Why the Small Things Matter by Andrew of Dollar After Dollar on Excessive 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 2665: Andrew of DollarAfterDollar.com draws an intriguing parallel between the "Broken Windows" theory and our financial habits, emphasizing the significant impact small, seemingly negligible habits can have on our overall financial health. By addressing these "financial broken windows," such as excessive spending in one area, we can prevent...

Mar 23, 20249 minEp. 2665

2664: Stuff We Just Stopped Buying by Lisa Harrison of Mad Money Monster on Saving Big

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 2664: Diania Merriam shares insights from Lisa Harrison of MadMoneyMonster.com, who reflects on everyday items she and her partner stopped buying to achieve significant savings. The list includes avoiding new car purchases, cutting cable TV, minimizing paper product expenses, using alternatives to shaving cream, refraining from soda and juic...

Mar 22, 202410 minEp. 2664

2663: Breaking the Doom Spending Cycle by Sara Stanizai of Prospect Therapy on Developing Healthy Coping

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 2663: In this episode, Diania Merriam shares Sara Stanizai's post from ProspectTherapy.com, addressing the pervasive issue of doom spending in 2024. Sara explores the connection between anxiety and impulsive spending, defining doom spending as a harmful coping mechanism. The post provides insights into breaking this cycle by understanding it...

Mar 21, 202410 minEp. 2663

2662: Setting Smart Financial Goals by Sierra Black of Get Rich Slowly on Practical Goal-Setting Strategies

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 2662: In this episode, Diania Merriam narrates Sierra Black's blog post from GetRichSlowly.org, emphasizing the importance of setting smart financial goals. Sierra introduces the SMART goal-setting system, highlighting the need for goals to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. The post explains why setting meaningful g...

Mar 20, 202410 minEp. 2662

2661: 3 Unconventional Ways to Super-Charge Your Savings 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 2661: In this episode, Diania Merriam narrates Paula Pant's blog post on AffordAnything.com, discussing three unconventional approaches to significantly boost savings. Paula challenges conventional financial advice, suggesting an 80/20 budgeting approach, earning more through side gigs, and making earth-shattering changes to cut back on sign...

Mar 19, 202412 minEp. 2661

2660: [Part 2] The Stages Of Financial Management by Andrea Joy of Saving Joyfully on Paying Down Debt

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 2660: In this episode, Diania Merriam continues to narrate Andrea Joy's blog post, "The Stages of Financial Management - Part 2." Andrea reflects on her journey through financial stages, discussing her struggles in making the right financial choices, sacrifices, and gradual progress. She highlights her transition from "Teenager" to "Adulting...

Mar 18, 202410 minEp. 2660

2659: [Part 1] The Stages Of Financial Management by Andrea Joy of Saving Joyfully on Consistent 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 2659: In this podcast episode, host Diania Merriam reads the first part of Andrea Joy's blog post titled "The Stages of Financial Management." Andrea explores the developmental stages individuals go through in understanding personal financial management. Drawing parallels with the growth process, she discusses stages from being a baby, compl...

Mar 17, 20249 minEp. 2659

2658: 5 Eating Goals That Aren't Fad Diets by Rachel Trotta on Sustainable Healthy 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 2658: In this podcast episode, Dr. Neal narrates Rachel Trotta's blog post, "5 Eating Goals That Aren’t Fad Diets." The post discusses alternatives to restrictive fad diets and introduces five achievable eating goals: cooking more meals at home, changing snacking habits, eating more protein, drinking more water, and tracking or journaling fo...

Mar 17, 202412 minEp. 2658

2657: 6 Ways to Strengthen Your Retirement Savings This Year by Stacker of Radical FIRE on Financial Spring Cleaning

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 2657: Host Diania Merriam introduces the blog post by Stacker with RadicalFIRE.com, which provides valuable insights on strengthening retirement savings. The article suggests practical tips, including assessing net worth, prioritizing debt payment, cutting unnecessary subscriptions, boosting emergency funds, maximizing 401(k) contributions, ...

Mar 16, 202412 minEp. 2657

2656: Money Talks, But Do You Speak the Language? by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement 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 2656: In this podcast episode, host Diania Merriam narrates a blog post by Kathleen Coxwell of NewRetirement.com. The post discusses the often confusing language of personal finance, breaking down essential financial concepts and terms to empower listeners in their financial journey. The episode aims to demystify topics like inflation, asset...

Mar 15, 202412 minEp. 2656

2655: When it Comes to Financial Advice, Follow the Money 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 2655: Erik Carter of FinancialFinesse.com illuminates the often-overlooked conflicts of interest in the financial planning industry, drawing from his extensive career to explore how financial incentives can shape advice. He advocates for unbiased financial guidance, suggesting options like employer-provided financial education or independent...

Mar 14, 202410 minEp. 2655

2654: Stupid Or Smart? (Getting A Loan To Pay Off Your Debt) by Philip Taylor of PT 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 2654: Philip Taylor of PTMoney.com delves into the complex decision of using loans to pay off debt, offering a critical examination of various loan types and their implications. Taylor emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of debt and exploring self-managed debt reduction strategies, cautioning against the potential p...

Mar 13, 20248 minEp. 2654

2653: Mindful Money by Ira Israel on Scarcity Mentality, Abundance & 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 2653: Ira Israel explores the profound relationship between our mindset towards money and overall happiness in "Mindful Money." He delves into societal views on wealth, contrasting the scarcity mentality with beliefs in abundance and how these perspectives shape our lives. Israel's insights encourage a reflective examination of our own attit...

Mar 12, 202411 minEp. 2653

2652: Six Secrets of a Credit Score by J Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Payment History & 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 2652: J. Money from BudgetsAreSexy.com demystifies the complexities behind credit scores in "Six Secrets of a Credit Score." This insightful piece breaks down the essential components and strategies for optimizing your credit score, from understanding the impact of payment history to the nuances of credit utilization, offering invaluable adv...

Mar 11, 202410 minEp. 2652

2651: How to Not Panic by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data on Financial Stability & Historical Parallels

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 2651: Nick Maggiulli's insightful exploration in "How to Not Panic" uses historical parallels, particularly from the Spanish flu of 1918, to elucidate how understanding past events can help us maintain composure during financial downturns and market crashes. By drawing on lessons from history, Maggiulli empowers readers to navigate current u...

Mar 10, 202412 minEp. 2651

2650: 8 Edits for a Simpler Better Life by Lisa Avellan of No Sidebar on Minimalism, Simplicity & 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 2650: Lisa Avellan in "8 Edits for a Simpler Better Life" on No Sidebar explores the concept of minimalism beyond just decluttering, urging readers to critically evaluate and edit even the good in their lives to craft a narrative of simplicity and meaning. Avellan's insights prompt a deeper reflection on how the pursuit of less enables a ful...

Mar 10, 202410 minEp. 2650