Podcast
Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
Hosted by Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriam · EN
Optimal Finance Daily is the #1 narrated podcast for the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). We curate and read the internet's most influential blogs on stock market investing, passive income, debt repayment, and 401k strategies, transforming complex wisdom into actionable daily episodes.
Hosted by Diania Merriam (founder of the EconoMe conference), this show is designed for growth-minded professionals seeking wealth management tips and money mindfulness. From budgeting and frugal living to index fund investing and tax strategies, Diania provides the tools to secure your financial freedom.
Join thousands of listeners becoming "OLD friends" as we navigate retirement planning, savvy money management, and the path to a debt-free life. Your journey to an optimal life begins here.
380episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
3628: Budgeting Basics: Income vs. Expenses by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Money Management
Yesterday00:10:27Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3628: Kumiko breaks down one of the most important foundations of budgeting: understanding your income and accurately tracking your expenses. Learn how to manage irregular paychecks, distinguish between fixed and variable expenses, and give every dollar a purpose so you can build a budget that works even when life is unpredictable. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/income-yay-expenses-yuck/ Quotes to ponder: "ALWAYS budget for the worst-case scenario!" "Each cent of your income should have a job." "It's ok for your budget not to work one month. Pick yourself up and start fresh next month." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3627: Alexa How Can I Get Rich by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto on Smart Money Habits
2d ago00:09:24Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3627: Fritz Gilbert uses an unexpected source of financial wisdom to reveal a remarkably simple blueprint for building wealth: earn more, spend less, avoid debt, and invest consistently. His breakdown of each principle shows that financial independence doesn't require secret strategies, just disciplined execution of timeless money habits. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/alexa-how-can-i-get-rich/ Quotes to ponder: "There is no one guaranteed way to become rich" "The best path to building wealth relies on a combination of expanding your earning potential, spending wisely, avoiding debt, saving money, and investing carefully." "Avoid debt whenever possible, especially credit card debt which carries a high-interest rate." Episode references: Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE): https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financial-independence-retire-early-fire.asp S&P 500 Index Funds: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp Individual Retirement Account (IRA): https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/individual-retirement-arrangements-iras 401(k) Plans: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/401k-plans Mike Rowe: https://mikerowe.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3626: 5 Health Tips for Entrepreneurs by Laure Carter on Healthy Habits
2d ago00:08:00Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3626: Laure Carter explains why so many entrepreneurs neglect their health in the pursuit of success and how a few simple habits can transform energy, sleep, and stress resilience. Her practical advice shows that prioritizing well-being isn't a distraction from building wealth, it's an investment that can improve your performance today and create a healthier legacy for future generations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.laurecarter.com/5-health-tips-for-entrepreneurs/ Quotes to ponder: "Health is priceless wealth." "The game is money, but what about inner wealth, the mental, the spiritual and physical health." "We are not our business, no matter how much we love it! We are a human being, not just a human doing and we need time to just be!" Episode references: Epigenetics: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Epigenetics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3625: 6 Ways Being Cheap Can Cost You Money by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents
3d ago00:07:25Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3625: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner shares six common ways that trying to save a few dollars can actually lead to bigger expenses, from buying low-quality clothing to skipping insurance and routine maintenance. Her examples reveal how focusing only on short-term savings can cost you time, money, and peace of mind, while encouraging smarter, long-term financial decisions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2014/10/6-ways-being-cheap-can-cost-you-money.html Quotes to ponder: "DIY will not always save you money." "You do not want to skip maintenance and have to pay more money later because a major problem could have been prevented, or do a shoddy maintenance job and find out the whole thing needs to be completely redone." "Many people each and every single day make the mistake of trying to save money, yet end up wasting money in the end." Episode references: Groupon: https://www.groupon.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3624: How One Millenial Couple Saves 25000 Per Year by Jen Hayes on Saving Strategies
4d ago00:08:57Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3624: Jen Hayes shares how she and her husband save $25,000 a year by eliminating unnecessary expenses and embracing an intentionally frugal lifestyle while paying off $117,000 in student loan debt. Her experience offers practical inspiration for anyone looking to cut costs, accelerate debt repayment, and make meaningful progress toward financial freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me//how-one-millennial-couple-save-25000-per-year/ Quotes to ponder: "If having a gym membership is important to you, find a cheaper gym." "You can get just as good of a workout at a more affordable gym." "It’s more than a little ridiculous to think that I used to spend $200 on hair appointments when my husband and I were six figures in debt." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3623: [Part 2] Wealth Advice That Should Be Obvious by Mr. Money Mustache on Smart Money Habits
5d ago00:07:56Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3623: Mr. Money Mustache shares a collection of simple financial habits that can dramatically reduce waste and make saving money feel effortless. From avoiding paid storage and relying less on restaurants to automating finances and buying essentials in bulk, these practical ideas reveal how efficient living naturally leads to higher savings and greater freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/09/20/wealth-advice-that-should-be-obvious/ Quotes to ponder: "The world is not your personal buffet." "Sustenance comes from your backpack. Restaurants are for carefully planned experiences with good friends." "Your utility bills and credit cards need set to automatically pay themselves, just like your 401(k) deductions and other investment programs." Episode references: Craigslist: https://www.craigslist.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3622: [Part 1] Wealth Advice That Should Be Obvious by Mr. Money Mustache on Smart Money Habits
6d ago00:10:46Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3622: Mr. Money Mustache lays out deceptively simple principles that separate wealth-building from self-sabotage, from avoiding gambling and lifestyle inflation to questioning every purchase. His practical approach reframes money as a tool for buying freedom, offering a refreshing perspective on spending, investing, and long-term happiness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/09/20/wealth-advice-that-should-be-obvious/ Quotes to ponder: "The only way to win, is to not play." "The only way to get “lucky” in life, is to understand the odds in all areas, and place your own chips on the side where they are in your favor." "You never, ever gamble if your goal is to get richer. It’s as simple as that." Episode references: Las Vegas: https://www.visitlasvegas.com/ Ecuador Travel Information: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador Chipotle Mexican Grill: https://www.chipotle.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3621: How Do You Take a Vacation While Paying Off Debt? by Laurie Sepulveda with Women Who Money
1w ago00:08:40Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3621: Laurie Sepulveda explains why taking a carefully planned vacation can actually help you stay motivated during a long debt payoff journey. She shares practical ways to budget, save cash in advance, and enjoy affordable travel experiences without adding new debt, so you can make memories while still reaching your financial goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/vacation-while-paying-down-debt/ Quotes to ponder: "Remember, you're getting rid of debt, not adding to it." "Traveling is about seeing new places and changing up your routine. And feeding your need for novelty and adventure." "Remember, paying off a considerable amount of debt can take years. That doesn't mean you can't have any fun along the way." Episode references: Kayak: https://www.kayak.com/ Scott's Cheap Flights (Going): https://www.going.com/ National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/ Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3620: 6 Habits of Above Average Retirement Savers by Craig Stephens of Retire Before Dad on Retirement Savings
1w ago00:10:20Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3620: Craig Stephens outlines six practical habits that separate above-average retirement savers from everyone else, from consistently investing in tax-advantaged accounts to avoiding high fees and ignoring market noise. His advice shows how small, disciplined decisions made over many years can dramatically improve long-term financial security and help build a retirement portfolio that supports your goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.retirebeforedad.com/6-habits-above-average-retirement-savers/ Quotes to ponder: "Among the most important savings habits is consistency." "Successful retirement savers have an eye on the future and are less inclined to splurge on short-term pleasures and shiny objects." "The best strategy for most everyone is to contribute to accounts regularly and keep your hands off." Episode references: Vanguard How America Saves Report: https://institutional.vanguard.com/how-america-saves/overview.html Roth IRA Information – IRS: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras Fidelity Retirement Savings Statistics: https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/retirement-savings-by-age Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3619: What are Your Money Milestones by ESI on Financial Milestones
1w ago00:08:38Summary readyGet the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today’s episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I’ll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It’s packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3619: ESI reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his path to financial independence, from growing up with limited means to investing in education, embracing frugality, and building wealth through real estate. His personal milestones reveal how a series of intentional decisions and lessons can compound into early retirement and lasting financial security. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://esimoney.com/what-are-your-money-milestones/ Quotes to ponder: “After all, you can make a million dollars a year, but if you spend $1.01 million, you’re going backwards.” “Offense wins games but defense wins championships!” “I was the ‘expert’ but I was learning TONS myself, both from reading so much about money but also from the comments readers would leave.” Episode references: The Richest Man in Babylon: https://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Babylon-George-Clason/dp/1505339111 Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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