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
3397: 3 Tips for Paying Off Debt in Collections by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Practical Debt Solutions
12/23/2025
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 3397: Kumiko of The Budget Mom shares practical and empowering advice for handling debt in collections, emphasizing research, knowing your legal rights, and negotiating smart settlements. Her tips help demystify the debt payoff process while offering strategies that could protect your credit and bring peace of mind. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/3-tips-for-paying-off-debts-in-collections/ Quotes to ponder: "Not paying a collection account because you can’t afford it right now doesn’t mean you plan to ignore the debt forever." "A lump-sum settlement could cost less. Collection agencies buy debts for pennies on the dollar." "Taking care of old debts can give you peace of mind." Episode references: Annual Credit Report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) - Debt Collection Scams: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/debt-collection Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) – FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-debt-collection-practices-act Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act Credit Karma: https://www.creditkarma.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:28
3396: [Part 2] How To Build A Compounding Machine by Barney of The Escape Artist on Long-Term Wealth
12/22/2025
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 3396: Barney illustrates how building wealth can be simple, even lazy, if you master the power of compounding. By focusing on high savings rates, starting early, and investing consistently in low-cost index funds, you can create a compounding machine that does most of the heavy lifting for you, no crystal ball or complex strategies required. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theescapeartist.me/2019/11/09/how-to-build-a-compounding-machine/ Quotes to ponder: "At a 50% savings rate, you will go from broke to financially independent in about 18/19 years." "A 10% a year return from a stockmarket tracker fund achieved by a person with average intelligence beats a 2% return from a complex multi-asset approach achieved by someone who went to Harvard." "When it comes to predicting future returns, there are 2 types of people: 1) those that don’t know and 2) those that don’t know they don’t know." Episode references: S&P 500 historical returns: https://www.slickcharts.com/sp500/returns The Rule of 72: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/ruleof72.asp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:09
3395: [Part 1] How To Build A Compounding Machine by Barney of The Escape Artist on Long-Term Wealth
12/21/2025
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 3395: Barney breaks down the fundamentals of building wealth through a “compounding machine,” a simple yet powerful system that transforms consistent savings and smart investing into long-term financial freedom. With clear examples like Kate’s million-pound pension, he shows how starting early, keeping costs low, and staying consistent can do the heavy lifting for you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theescapeartist.me/2019/11/09/how-to-build-a-compounding-machine/ Quotes to ponder: "Pay yourself first and invest on auto-pilot." "At a 50% savings rate, you will go from broke to financially independent in about 18/19 years." "No one has a crystal ball and no one knows what future returns will be." Episode references: S&P 500 historical returns: https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/sp-500/#overview The Rule of 72: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/ruleof72.asp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:38
3394: Tackling Loneliness by Rosalyn Palmer on Mental Well-Being Support
12/21/2025
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 3394: Rosalyn Palmer shines a compassionate light on the hidden epidemic of modern loneliness, revealing its devastating physical and emotional toll across all ages and backgrounds. By exploring the role of social media, home design, and meaningful human connection, she offers practical insights to help us reimagine how we live and support one another in an increasingly disconnected world. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://rosalynpalmer.com/tackling-loneliness/ Quotes to ponder: "Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day." "We are basically tribal people who want to connect and belong, yet this needs to be balanced by the need for each individual to have the ability to some privacy." "Being Ms. Popularity on social media doesn’t protect you from loneliness." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:35
3393: How to Lower Your Heating Bills This Winter by Sierra Black with Get Rich Slowly on Cutting Heating Costs
12/20/2025
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 3393: Sierra Black shares practical and proven strategies for slashing winter heating bills without sacrificing comfort. From upgrading insulation and heating systems to simple DIY hacks like layering rugs, sealing drafts, and using space heaters wisely, her approach balances budget-consciousness with eco-friendly living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/how-to-lower-your-heating-bills/ Quotes to ponder: "If you haven't done it already, spending a few hours going around your windows and doors with some draft-sealing putty or caulk will make a huge difference to how comfortable your home is in the winter." "Rather than keep the whole house toasty, I've lowered the temp on the main thermostat and set up a space heater in my office." "Adding layers to your house will make it feel warmer even if the thermostat stays at a modest temperature." Episode references: U.S. Department of Energy – Weatherization Assistance Program: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:36
3392: Could You Be Making This Super-Common Credit Card Mistake? By Jackie Beck on Smarter Credit Usage
12/19/2025
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 3392: Jackie Beck reveals how using a credit card for emergencies can easily spiral into long-term debt and financial stress. Through her personal story, she emphasizes the importance of building an emergency fund, defining true emergencies, and making intentional spending decisions to break free from the debt cycle. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/common-credit-card-mistakes/ Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need an emergency credit card. You need an emergency FUND." "If you don’t have the money yet, you can’t afford whatever it is yet." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:42
3391: The Value of Growing Your Career is Worth Millions More Than I Thought by ESI of ESI Money on Expanding Lifetime Earnings
12/18/2025
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 3391: ESI highlights how even a modest boost in annual salary growth, just 1%, can translate into millions more over a career when invested wisely. By breaking down salary scenarios and compounding returns, he proves that strategic career growth isn't just valuable, it's transformative for building wealth and achieving financial independence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/the-value-of-growing-your-career-is-worth-millions-more-than-i-thought/ Quotes to ponder: "Even if you only earn 1% more than average, you end up with over a million dollars more!" "If you plug along and are willing to accept 'average' for your career/income, you’re potentially missing out on millions of extra dollars during your lifetime." "If you can grow your income faster than average (most people) and invest the difference at a reasonable rate over a working lifetime (or even any decent length of time) the difference is amazing and worth millions." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:10
3390: How to Withdraw Money From Your IRA Penalty Free by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Smart IRA Withdrawals
12/17/2025
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 3390: Jeff Rose breaks down practical ways to access IRA funds without paying the early withdrawal penalty, offering guidance for those facing medical bills, unemployment, education costs, or even buying a first home. This article is a must-listen for anyone navigating financial hardship while trying to protect their retirement savings. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/how-to-tap-your-ira-with-no-penalty/ Quotes to ponder: "Just because you can touch your retirement money with no penalty, doesn’t mean that you don’t have to pay the tax." "If you find yourself being recently let go and so as long as you receive unemployment for 12 consecutive weeks, then you are allowed to tap your IRA to pay for health insurance premiums for yourself and your family." "You can use your IRA money penalty-free to help with the cost to include: tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, and required equipment." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:43
3389: Should You Save More For Retirement Or Pay Off Debt First? by Mark Dennis with Financial Finesse
12/16/2025
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 3389: Mark Dennis explores the classic personal finance dilemma of whether to save more for retirement or focus on paying off debt. Blending both mathematical logic and behavioral psychology, he outlines a hybrid approach that leverages guaranteed investment returns while maintaining motivation through small debt victories, helping you take control of your money and stay on track long-term. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2018/03/29/should-you-save-more-for-retirement-or-pay-off-debt-first/ Quotes to ponder: "Use those good feelings of accomplishment to help motivate you to stay on track and hammer away at the next debt on your list until you kill that one too." "Free money is free money, and nothing beats a guaranteed return on your investment." "People often struggle to fully understand how compound growth works, which leads us to underestimate how much our savings could potentially grow." Episode references: Retirement Estimator Calculator: https://www.calcxml.com/do/ret02 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:44
3388: The Risks and Rewards Of International Bonds by Robert Farrington of The College Investor on Global Bond Market
12/15/2025
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 3388: Robert Farrington outlines how international bonds can offer valuable diversification to a portfolio, especially when U.S. markets falter. While foreign bonds bring potential for growth and currency advantage, they also carry unique risks, making thoughtful allocation and rebalancing essential for long-term investors. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thecollegeinvestor.com/33391/international-bonds/ Quotes to ponder: "Rather than buying the bonds of some country directly, which can be complex, you can invest in foreign bonds through mutual funds and ETFs." "The global bond market is far larger and more liquid than the global stock market." "Foreign bonds denominated in the issuing country’s currency (i.e., U.K. bonds in British pounds) will have an inverse correlation with the dollar." Episode references: Total International Bond ETF (BNDX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/etfs/profile/bndx LearnBonds: https://www.learnbonds.com Total World Bond ETF (BNDW): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/etfs/profile/bndw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:25
3387: Why Your House Is A Terrible Investment by JL Collins on Real Estate Myths
12/14/2025
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 3387: JL Collins dismantles the myth of homeownership as a wise investment by outlining its hidden costs, risks, and poor returns compared to other financial vehicles. He challenges deeply held beliefs by showing how homes drain resources, limit flexibility, and often deliver subpar gains, all while being propped up by emotion and government subsidies. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/05/29/why-your-house-is-a-terrible-investment/ Quotes to ponder: “While the structure never appreciates in value, the land a house sits on can appreciate in value due to changes in supply and demand.” "Imagine if our investment could somehow tie its owner to the fate of one narrow location. The risk could be enormous!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:30
3386: A Minimalist Approach to Fitness by Jen Hayes on Sustainable Weight Loss
12/14/2025
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 3386: Jen Hayes reveals how adopting a minimalist mindset helped her lose 50 pounds by stripping away fitness industry noise and focusing on what truly matters. By choosing enjoyable movement, ditching fad diets, and prioritizing health over appearance, she built a simple, sustainable routine that feels good and actually works. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/minimalist-approach-fitness/ Quotes to ponder: "Minimalism is about getting rid of the things that don’t matter so we can focus on the things that do." "Life is too short to waste it doing things you hate." "If your diet or exercise plan is making you miserable, try a different approach." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:15
3385: [Part 2] How to Create Sustainable Money Habits by Liz of FrugalWoods on Mindful Consumption
12/13/2025
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 3385: Liz offers a practical and compassionate guide to building money habits that actually last, not by aiming for perfection, but by focusing on consistency, simplicity, and clarity. Through small behavioral shifts like removing temptations and redefining priorities, she shows how anyone can make sustainable progress toward financial peace and intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.frugalwoods.com/2020/01/31/how-to-create-sustainable-money-habits/ Quotes to ponder: "Slice away at your spending and your possessions to let the best rise to the top." “Make small, incremental changes you can stick to.” “Spend money on things related to those priorities and eliminate spending that’s counter to those priorities.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:45
3384: [Part 1] How to Create Sustainable Money Habits by Liz of FrugalWoods on Mindful Consumption
12/12/2025
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 3384: Liz from Frugalwoods lays out a practical framework for building sustainable money habits by emphasizing small, consistent changes over dramatic overhauls. By reshaping routines, engineering your environment, and disrupting autopilot spending, she shows how frugality can become effortless and long-lasting. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.frugalwoods.com/2020/01/31/how-to-create-sustainable-money-habits/ Quotes to ponder: "Frugality can become your default and you can train yourself to do the right thing with your money." "Routines create automatic pathways for how we live our lives; we can follow positive routines or negative routines." "If you want to spend more time reviewing your finances and goal-setting, make it part of your weekly/monthly routine." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:29
3383: The Honeymoon Phase of Early Retirement by Leif of Physician on FIRE on Finding Purpose in Retirement
12/11/2025
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 3383: Leif explores the emotional rollercoaster that often follows early retirement, comparing its initial thrill to a honeymoon that inevitably fades. As routines set in and novelty wears off, the real challenge emerges: facing boredom, fear, and the search for lasting fulfillment. Learn how pivoting from scarcity to abundance thinking can help transform this emotional shift into a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.physicianonfire.com/honeymoon-phase-of-retirement/ Quotes to ponder: "Fear is likely a result of wondering if you have enough. Not enough money. Maybe enough joy? Happiness? Potential fulfillment?" "Choose the abundance mindset rather than the scarcity one, and you might find that you need fewer spreadsheets to keep track of your joy." "Keep digging into what brought you moments of flow in earlier phases of life, keep bringing those back." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:46
3382: Frugal or Cheap: How to Tell and Why it Matters by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money
12/10/2025
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 3382: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock break down the subtle but impactful differences between being frugal and being cheap, helping you assess whether your money-saving habits align with your values or if they may be costing more than you think. Learn how mindful spending can preserve relationships, support long-term goals, and still keep your finances in check. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/frugal-or-cheap-how-to-tell-why-matters/ Quotes to ponder: "Frugality means your spending decisions are aligned with your priorities and values, not going without or suffering because you lack things you need." "Being cheap is being selfish with your money." "Trying to save money can be a real challenge and there may be times where you find yourself being cheap instead of frugal." Episode references: BeFrugal: https://www.befrugal.com Ibotta: https://www.ibotta.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:08
3381: When It Pays to Spend Money to Save Money by Amanda Brownlow on Intentional Spending
12/9/2025
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 3381: Amanda Brownlow challenges the traditional mindset of extreme frugality by showing how intentional spending can lead to long-term savings. From prioritizing health and quality items to investing in insurance and expert financial advice, she explains why spending a little more now can prevent costly mistakes and replacements later. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2020/10/14/spend-money-to-save-money/ Quotes to ponder: "Spending money on a gym membership (that you actually use), home gym equipment, whole food items, supplements, and more can help keep you healthy." "Staying healthy not only makes you feel good, but you save money in the long term, too." "You may need to save up money to purchase what you really want, but that higher quality item will pay for itself over time because you won’t have to buy it again." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:44
3380: What You Can Learn From Millennials For a Better Financial Future by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement
12/8/2025
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 3380: Kathleen Coxwell highlights how millennials, often seen as financially unstable, are actually modeling habits that can lead to a more flexible and fulfilling retirement. From downsizing and ditching costly assets to prioritizing experiences, connection, and purpose, their lifestyle offers valuable lessons in living well both now and later. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/learn-from-millennials-for-better-retirement-2/ Quotes to ponder: "Millennials crave the joy of adventures and discoveries, whether epic or everyday." "Talking about money is a good thing. Behavioral research has found that having peers who have good financial habits can help you to have good financial habits." "You can actually slow down the clock by trying new things." Episode references: U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:34
3379: Snatch Up Your Long Lost Money by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Tracking Down Lost Assets
12/7/2025
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 3379: J. Money unpacks how billions of dollars in unclaimed property are just sitting around, waiting to be claimed, including hundreds his own wife forgot about from a decade-old paycheck. With step-by-step guidance and a few laughs, he shows how easy (and free) it is to search for and reclaim your lost funds, and possibly help your friends and family do the same. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/find-unclaimed-money-property/ Quotes to ponder: "It literally takes a handful of seconds to get started, and there’s no excuse for not giving it a shot." "Claims can be made into perpetuity in most cases, even by heirs." "Unclaimed property is one of the original consumer protection programs." Episode references: Virginia unclaimed property search: https://vamoneysearch.gov/ Unclaimed.org (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators): https://www.unclaimed.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:39
3378: You Don't Have to Give Up Important Things to Get Important Things Done by Michael Mehlberg
12/7/2025
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 3378: Michael Mehlberg challenges the productivity trend of cutting out distractions by flipping the script, urging us to protect the activities that fuel us through a not-to-give-up list. This powerful mindset helps you stay motivated, avoid burnout, and build a life that balances achievement with joy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2018/5/30/you-dont-have-to-give-up-important-things-to-get-important-things-done Quotes to ponder: "Forced self-control only works when you're not stressed or tired." "Without a clear purpose for every item that goes on this list, you'll find yourself ignoring it, or worse, binging on the very things you add to it." "And that's the beauty of a not-to-give-up list. You put the focus on what's important in your life." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:08:29