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.
407episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
3635: Investing, Reduced to Its Core by Paula Pant of Afford Anything on Investment Strategy
3w ago00:14:21Summary 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 3635: Paula Pant argues that frugality is only the starting point for building wealth and that true financial freedom comes from investing, owning assets, and increasing your earning power. She breaks down simple investment strategies, from index fund portfolios to real estate and entrepreneurship, showing that growing wealth can be far less complicated than many people assume. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://affordanything.com/investing-broken-down-to-its-ridiculously-simple-core/ Quotes to ponder: "Wealth comes from living below your means." "Frugality is the first step, not the last." "You don’t grow wealth by clipping coupons and turning down the thermostat; you grow wealth by starting businesses and investing." Episode references: T.J. Maxx: https://www.tjmaxx.com Dow Jones Industrial Average: https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/dow-jones-industrial-average/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3634: We Shouldn't Discourage Our Kids From Trade School by Kalen Bruce of Freedom Sprout on Education Choices
3w ago00:08:58Summary 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 3634: Kalen Bruce challenges the belief that college is the only path to success, arguing that trade schools can offer fulfilling, financially rewarding careers without the same cost or time commitment. He encourages parents to have intentional conversations with their children and support the path that best matches their interests, talents, and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://freedomsprout.com/trade-schools/ Quotes to ponder: "College doesn’t always guarantee success, and frankly, college simply isn’t for everyone." "We want our kids to be happy and to do what they were meant to do." "As long as their decision is intentional, we will let them determine their own path." Episode references: Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612681131 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3633: Hidden 401K Fees No One Talks About by Logan Allec with Saving Joyfully on Retirement Investing
3w ago00:10:15Summary 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 3633: Logan Allec explains how seemingly small retirement account charges, like 12b-1 fees, administrative costs, advisory fees, load fees, and transaction commissions, can quietly erode long-term savings. Understanding where your money is going and reviewing your plan documents regularly can help you make smarter decisions and potentially keep more of your retirement nest egg. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://savingjoyfully.com/blog/hidden-401k-fees-no-one-talks-about Quotes to ponder: "Providers are responsible for managing the funds in the account and making sure everything runs smoothly." "You may be surprised when you realize how much of your contributions are covering these costs rather than your retirement." "It’s important to review your plan’s prospectus every year to learn about any changes." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3632: [Part 2] How We Saved Multi-Millions by Go Curry Cracker on Wealth Building
4w ago00:09:34Summary 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 3632: Go Curry Cracker explains how unconventional choices, a high savings rate, and long-term investing in businesses through index funds created financial independence and allowed every dollar ever earned to effectively be returned through compound growth. He also dismantles common excuses about luck, inheritance, debt, and taxes, showing that wealth-building is more about behavior and consistency than extraordinary circumstances. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gocurrycracker.com/how-we-saved-multi-millions/ Quotes to ponder: "Why would we spend all of our money to buy a lot of versatile solutions for modern living when we could be buying our freedom instead?" "Saving a high percentage of income is only half the battle." "You can’t just put fat stacks of cash under your mattress and expect to get rich." Episode references: Lifetime Wealth Ratio: https://budgetsaresexy.com/lifetime-wealth-ratio/ J.K. Rowling: https://www.jkrowling.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ MasterChef: https://www.fox.com/masterchef/ Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3631: [Part 1] How We Saved Multi-Millions by Go Curry Cracker on Wealth Building
4w ago00:09:05Summary 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 3631: Go Curry Cracker shares how he and his wife overcame childhood poverty, family instability, and significant student debt to build financial independence. Their story challenges the idea that difficult beginnings determine financial outcomes and sets the stage for understanding the mindset and habits that eventually led to saving millions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gocurrycracker.com/how-we-saved-multi-millions/ Quotes to ponder: "You either have enough investments to fund your desired lifestyle or you don’t. This is what is important." "When we started our 10 years of saving, net worth wasn’t zero. I had paid off student loans a year or so prior, and also had home equity and a 401k." "Divorce in 1980s Taiwan was much like divorce in 1950s America, and the burden fell heavy on women and children." Episode references: Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/ Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/ Farnoosh Torabi: https://farnoosh.tv/ The 4% Rule (Trinity Study): https://thepoorswiss.com/trinity-study/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3630: What’s Probably Missing From Your Financial Plan by Erik Carter of Financial Finesse on Financial Planning
4w ago00:09:22Summary 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 3630: Erik Carter highlights the critical pieces that many solid financial plans still overlook, including life insurance, diversification, liability protection, long-term care coverage, and estate planning. These often-neglected safeguards can protect your family, assets, and future income from risks that can undo years of smart financial decisions. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2013/02/21/whats-probably-missing-from-your-financial-plan/ Quotes to ponder: "Too often, people just have whatever their employer provides to them, which is usually equal to their salary." "The problem isn’t that people don’t know the importance of life insurance or can’t afford it. The problem is that it’s too easy to procrastinate." "One of the biggest investment mistakes I see is having too much in company stock." Episode references: Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/ Medicaid: https://www.medicaid.gov/ S&P 500 Index: https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/sp-500/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3629: 6 Ways to Pay Off Debt When You Have No Money by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey
4w ago00:10:11Summary 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 3629: Christina Browning shares six creative strategies to pay off debt even when money is tight, proving that financial independence is still possible on a limited income. From turning free items into profit to negotiating with debt collectors and cutting living expenses, these practical ideas can help you generate cash, reduce financial stress, and make meaningful progress toward becoming debt-free. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/6-ways-to-pay-of-debt-when-you-have-no-money Quotes to ponder: "One way to generate income is to repurpose and reuse other people’s garbage." "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure." "Having a limited income doesn’t have to mean financial independence is unattainable." Episode references: Poshmark: https://poshmark.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com Freecycle: https://www.freecycle.org Craigslist: https://www.craigslist.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3628: Budgeting Basics: Income vs. Expenses by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Money Management
4w ago00:10:57Summary 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 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
Jul 1200:09:54Summary 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
Jul 1200:08:30Summary 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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