Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
Business & Economics Podcasts
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...
Location:
United States
Description:
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...
Twitter:
@OLDPodcast
Language:
English
Contact:
908-941-2454
Website:
https://oldpodcast.com/
Episodes
3454: Invest a Lot Of Money at Once or Spread it Out? by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money
2/11/2026
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 3454: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock weigh the pros and cons of lump-sum investing versus dollar-cost averaging, showing how both strategies can help grow wealth, but success ultimately depends on your emotional readiness and risk tolerance. You'll walk away better equipped to choose the right approach for your financial personality and long-term goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/investing-money-best-lump-sum-spread-out/ Quotes to ponder: "Good money habits help build long-term wealth too!" "If your emotions lead you to be fearful, sell shares at the wrong time, and change your long-term investing strategy, it can negatively impact wealth building." "To build a secure financial house, you want your money to start working for you as early as possible." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:59
3453: Don’t Panic! Coping With Financial Mistakes and Setbacks by JD Roth of Get Rich Slowly on Recovery Mindset
2/10/2026
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 3453: JD Roth shares hard-won wisdom from his own financial missteps, offering clear strategies to recover from setbacks without spiraling into panic or guilt. By emphasizing education, preparation, and emotional detachment, he shows how learning from mistakes can build long-term resilience and confidence with money. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/dont-panic-coping-with-financial-mistakes-and-setbacks/ Quotes to ponder: "Relax. Take an hour or two to distract yourself. Better yet, sleep on the problem, it's amazing how a little time can provide increased perspective." "If you have cash cushion, your financial plans can't be derailed by a single stupid mistake." "Just because you've already spent $200 on a gym membership you never use doesn't mean you need to keep spending money on it." Episode references: Countrywide Financial (archival reference): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countrywide_Financial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:17
3452: [Part 2] My Top 13 Rules for Profitable Trading in Any Market by Bob Byrne with James Altucher
2/9/2026
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 3452: Bob Byrne outlines six essential strategies for surviving and profiting during bear markets, emphasizing the importance of agility, strict discipline, and emotional control. By leveraging short-term technical indicators like EMAs and recognizing when to shift back into bull-market tactics, traders can stay ahead of the curve and protect their capital when markets turn volatile. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/bob-byrne-13-rules/ Quotes to ponder: "The market is telling you that something under the surface is very wrong." "As long as a stock is closing beneath a 5-day EMA, you want to avoid buying it." "When it comes to investing in a bear market, hope is a four-letter word, and not a good one." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:27
3451: [Part 1] My Top 13 Rules for Profitable Trading in Any Market by Bob Byrne with James Altucher
2/8/2026
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 3451: Bob Byrne distills decades of trading experience into seven time-tested rules for thriving in bull markets, from riding strong trends to managing emotions and profit targets. Drawing wisdom from a mentor known as Big Lou, these principles help traders avoid common pitfalls and build long-term discipline for profitable decisions in any market environment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/bob-byrne-13-rules/ Quotes to ponder: "Let someone else be the first buyer. We don’t need to make every penny when a stock bounces. We only need to make the easy ones." "Trading stocks is as much about managing emotion as it is clicking the buy or sell button." "The big money is made by controlling emotions, and often doing the opposite of what you’d like to do." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:12
3450: Think Bigger to Motivate Yourself by Tynan on Finding Motivational Opportunities
2/8/2026
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 3450: Tynan explores why motivation often fades after early success and how bold, personal goals, like owning a yacht, can reignite drive and purpose. By aligning your ambition with what truly excites you, even if it's unconventional, you unlock a more honest and sustainable path to productivity and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://tynan.com/bigger Quotes to ponder: "The best state to be in is to need nothing, be extremely happy with what you have, and still want a lot more." "The point isn’t to actually get the things, it’s to gain the ability to get them." "Think of external motivation as the starter to your productivity engine." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:01
3449: Who Feels Rich Really? by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data on Wealth Psychology
2/7/2026
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 3449: Nick Maggiulli explores the paradox of wealth perception, highlighting how even billionaires like Lloyd Blankfein don’t see themselves as rich. Drawing on Tolstoy’s timeless story and modern data, he reveals how relative comparisons and social networks distort our sense of financial well-being, reminding us that we’re likely far wealthier than we realize. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/who-feels-rich-really/ Quotes to ponder: "If your net worth is greater than $4,210, then you are wealthier than half of the world." "Most people at the upper end of the income spectrum think they are less wealthy than they actually are." "There is no right answer, because 'being rich' is a relative concept. Always has been and always will be." Episode references: Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2018: https://www.credit-suisse.com/about-us/en/reports-research/global-wealth-report.html The Human Network by Matthew Jackson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572649/the-human-network-by-matthew-o-jackson/ Data from Saez and Zucman on U.S. wealth inequality: https://eml.berkeley.edu/~saez/saez-zucmanNBER14wealth.pdf How Much Land Does a Man Need? (Tolstoy): https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6157 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:22
3448: 9 Tips to Simplify Your Finances by J. Money on Money Organization
2/6/2026
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 3448: J. Money shares a refreshingly honest take on simplifying your financial life through nine practical tips, from automating bills and consolidating accounts to keeping just two credit cards. With humor and personal insights, he explores which strategies actually work, where he falls short, and how simplicity can lead to better financial clarity and peace of mind. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://budgetsaresexy.com/tips-to-simplify-finances/ Quotes to ponder: "You can never read too many tips on bettering your financial set up, and at the very least you walk away with some more pats on the back if you’ve already happened to implement them." "For the majority of people that suck at dealing with money, I would probably advise automating as much as possible though." "Time recommends latching on to only one target-gate fund, which is definitely simple." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:01
3447: Do You Work For Money, or Does Money Work For You? by Mr. Finer on Income Leverage
2/5/2026
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 3447: Mr. Finer breaks down the life-changing difference between working for money and letting money work for you. By understanding how each dollar earned can become a tireless asset through saving and investing, listeners gain a simple yet powerful framework for building long-term wealth and achieving financial independence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mrfiner.com/do-you-work-for-money-or-does-your-money-work-for-you/ Quotes to ponder: "Every time we earn a dollar, it comes to us with the promise of working for us and making us more money." "Make your money work for you, or you will always have to work for your money." "Do not save what is left after spending. Instead, spend what is left after saving." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:19
3446: Today Is the Day to Improve Your Finances! TODAY! by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey
2/4/2026
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 3446: Christina Browning offers a motivating call to action for anyone looking to improve their financial health, starting today. With practical steps like budgeting, automating bills, and tackling debt, she shows how small, immediate actions can lead to long-term financial independence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/improve-your-finances-today Quotes to ponder: "Today is the day to improve your finances! TODAY!" "A budget isn’t a static document that you create once, pat yourself on the back for creating it, and then quietly file it away somewhere between your expired To Do List and last year’s taxes." "Michael Jordan once said, 'You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.'" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:59
3445: The Goal of Frugal Living - It’s More Than Saving Money by Amanda Brownlow on Intentional Spending
2/3/2026
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 3445: Amanda Brownlow redefines frugal living as a lifestyle rooted in intention, not deprivation. Beyond simply saving money, frugality empowers you to waste less, live more deliberately, and make your earnings truly work for you, unlocking financial clarity, contentment, and control. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2020/09/02/goal-of-frugal-living/ Quotes to ponder: "When you take a magnifying glass to your finances, perhaps through a spending audit, you get to see where your paycheck goes and analyze your spending habits." "The goal of frugal living is much more than money!" "When you plan your purchases, you are more intentional with what you buy." Episode references: M1 Finance: https://www.m1.com Acorns: https://www.acorns.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:37
3444: [Part 2] Social Security: How Secure and When to Take It by JL Collins on Retirement Strategy
2/2/2026
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 3444: J.L. Collins breaks down the practical and emotional decision-making behind when to start collecting Social Security, offering a no-nonsense framework based on personal need, life expectancy, and long-term planning. He challenges fear-driven decisions with data-backed reasoning, urging younger generations to assume less generous benefits while still focusing on financial independence through smart investing and low-cost living. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/01/29/social-security-how-secure-and-when-to-take-it/ Quotes to ponder: "When do I need the money? If you genuinely need the money right now, nothing else matters." "I’m realistic enough to know most people are goofs with their money. Without Social Security many would be back to living on cat food." "Plan your financial future assuming Social Security will NOT be there for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:04
3443: [Part 1] Social Security: How Secure and When to Take It by JL Collins on Retirement Strategy
2/1/2026
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 3443: J.L. Collins reflects on his long-standing skepticism of Social Security, only to find it surprisingly robust as he nears eligibility. By walking through the history, mechanics, and current realities of the system, including its $2.7 trillion Trust Fund, Collins dispels common fears and explains why the benefits are still far more solid than many assume. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/01/29/social-security-how-secure-and-when-to-take-it/ Quotes to ponder: "It is important to understand that any time you invest money, that money gets spent." "Cash is a really lousy way to hold money long-term. Little by little it gets destroyed by inflation." "All my financial planning has been based on the idea that if it wasn’t, no problem. If it was, that would be a pleasant surprise." Episode references: AARP: https://www.aarp.org Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:52
3442: How to Build a Circle of Support For Your Life by Ellen Burgan of If It Brings You Joy on Meaningful Connection
2/1/2026
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 3442: Ellen Burgan explores the importance of building a strong, intentional circle of support by helping you identify who encourages your growth, and who might unknowingly feed your fear. Through self-awareness and small, practical steps, she empowers you to cultivate meaningful connections that fuel confidence, resilience, and joy in every life chapter. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ifitbringsyoujoy.com/circle-of-support/ Quotes to ponder: "People need people for support. However, no one person can be your support buddy 100% of the time." "There’s great joy not only in having a large circle of support, but also in being on someone else’s circle of support." "We’re all human, so don’t worry if you are sometimes that person who fans flames of someone’s fear." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:00
3441: 3 Numbers That Matter More Than Your Credit Score by Kelley Long of Financial Finesse on Smart Finances
1/31/2026
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 3441: Kelley Long urges us to shift our focus from credit scores to three more impactful financial metrics: net worth, retirement readiness, and emergency savings. By consistently tracking these numbers, we gain a more accurate picture of our financial health, and make choices that build real, lasting freedom. 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: "Your credit score only really matters when you’re applying for a loan, certain types of insurance and increasingly, when applying for a job." "Your net worth is the ultimate measure of your ability to weather financial storms and maintain financial choices in life." "Should something happen, consider the probability that it could be due to an economic downturn when credit may not be as easily accessible and/or the stock market could be down." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:35
3440: The Best Approach to Long-Term Savings: Building Your Nest Egg by Philip Taylor of PT Money on Smart Saving Habits
1/30/2026
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 3440: Philip Taylor explores smart strategies for building long-term savings beyond retirement, emphasizing the importance of balancing liquidity, risk, and returns. Whether you're dreaming of early retirement, funding a future business, or leaving a generous gift to loved ones, he offers clear guidance on where to park your money for optimal long-term growth without locking it away like retirement funds. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/best-long-term-savings-building-nest-egg/ Quotes to ponder: "I think it’s wise to have specific savings goals for all your money." "Saving just for the sake of saving is a sign you might need to stop down and think about what you want for your future." "Don’t throw asset allocation and diversity out the window just because of low returns in the cash and savings arena." Episode references: Vanguard: https://www.vanguard.com Betterment: https://www.betterment.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:48
3439: The Golden Rule of Personal Finance by Jesse Cramer of Best Interest Blog on Money Principles
1/29/2026
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 3439: Jesse Cramer reminds us that true financial stability starts with a strong foundation, spending less than you earn. Through personal stories and behavioral insights, he exposes the hidden patterns that lead even high earners into financial ruin, urging listeners to move beyond lip service and take real action toward lasting financial health. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bestinterest.blog/golden-rule/ Quotes to ponder: "Advertisers convince you that buying stuff will make you happy. Actual psychological research provides no such evidence." "Just as buildings of all sizes see foundational issues, people across the wealth spectrum struggle with overspending." "We criticize others for overspending but find ways to justify our own similar behavior." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:32
3438: The Simple (Unconventional) Way to Form Spending Habits So You Never Have to Think About Your Expenditure Again by Charlie Brown
1/28/2026
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 3438: Charlie Brown reveals how trusting your gut, rather than rigid budgets or societal pressure, can lead to value-aligned spending habits. By tuning into what truly matters and cutting financial clutter, you can enjoy guilt-free purchases and long-term peace of mind without constantly thinking about money. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://themakingofamillionaire.com/the-simple-unconventional-way-to-form-spending-habits-so-you-never-have-to-think-about-your-e66c6424b3b1 Quotes to ponder: "Listen to what our gut feeling says about every single purchase we make." "When it comes to knowing how you should spend your money, your gut knows more than society does." "Form spending habits that are not only aligned with your values but also within your means." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:54
3437: Dealing With Credit Card Debt When You’re in Over Your Head by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Financial Recovery
1/27/2026
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 3437: Kumiko shares practical, experience-driven strategies for regaining control when credit card debt spirals out of control. From acknowledging the issue and building a debt payoff plan to considering consolidation options, she offers both emotional support and tactical advice to help you become debt-free and financially empowered. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/dealing-with-credit-card-debt-when-youre-in-over-your-head/ Quotes to ponder: "You can’t successfully pay off debt and stay debt free without a budget. A budget is the foundation on which any successful debt elimination plan is built." "Be sure to shop around for the best deal before you commit to a lender." "The last thing you want to do is pay off your existing credit card balances then rack up more debt. That’s a recipe for financial trouble in the future." Episode references: Credible: https://www.credible.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:11
3436: Making Your Own Stock Dividends by Chris Reining on Income Creation
1/26/2026
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 3436: Chris Reining challenges conventional retirement investing by illustrating why relying on dividends isn't always the smartest move. Through a compelling lemonade stand analogy, he shows how reinvesting profits and selectively selling shares can actually outperform traditional dividend strategies, offering both higher long-term value and flexibility. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/dividends/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes earnings can’t be effectively deployed. Hence, stock buybacks and dividends." "When you get a dividend you never feel bad about spending it, because you never touch your principal." "Selling shares to make your own dividend means making decisions." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:13
3435: The Power Of A No Spend Challenge by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents on Conscious Consumption
1/25/2026
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 3435: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner explores how a no spend challenge can transform your financial habits, reduce clutter, and even boost your health and motivation. By cutting out unnecessary purchases, whether it's clothes, sweets, or impulse buys, this practice helps you become more intentional with money and make use of what you already have. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2015/10/the-power-of-a-no-spend-challenge.html Quotes to ponder: "By taking part in a no spend challenge, you can prevent yourself from cluttering your life with items you do not need." "You will also realize what items you probably shouldn’t buy anymore because they are a waste of money." "Challenging yourself and analyzing your spending can help you be more aware of where your money is going." Episode references: U.S. National Park Free Days: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:07:42