Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
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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...
3427 Episodes
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![3425: [Part 2] Dealing with Uncertainty in Retirement Calculations by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/ab3df9f8-e7d1-11f0-b414-0fcf604fd737/image/78abbd209cb1bb6c0c95e365b746b106.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3425: [Part 2] Dealing with Uncertainty in Retirement Calculations by Darrow Kirkpatrick 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 3425:
Darrow Kirkpatrick explores the unpredictable nature of retirement planning, revealing how small shifts in key variables like inflation, investment returns, and living expenses can dramatically alter your financial future. Rather than chasing precision, he advocates using retirement models as directional tools, emphasizing flexibility, thoughtful scenario comparison, and quality of life over rigid calculations.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/dealing-with-uncertainty-in-retirement-calculations/
Quotes to ponder:
"A retirement model is a compass, not a map. It can tell you where you’re going, but not if and when you’ll arrive!"
"The difference in ending net worth between our best and worst case scenarios at age 95 is well more than one million dollars."
"Most of the difference between the best and worst case scenarios is accounted for by investment returns, Social Security, and living expenses."
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![3424: [Part 1] Dealing with Uncertainty in Retirement Calculations by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a6743eba-e7d0-11f0-9821-9757be70ec96/image/0594cb0b0df8a56edc581ca37dd5e441.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3424: [Part 1] Dealing with Uncertainty in Retirement Calculations by Darrow Kirkpatrick 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 3424:
Darrow Kirkpatrick exposes how even modest shifts in retirement planning inputs, like inflation, returns, or lifespan, can produce drastically different financial outcomes. Using a simple couple’s case study, he reveals how uncertainty compounds to the point where the difference between financial freedom and running out of money can hinge on a few percentage points.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.caniretireyet.com/dealing-with-uncertainty-in-retirement-calculations/
Quotes to ponder:
"Retirement planning can be like [the game of Telephone]. Seemingly small differences in input can compound into gigantic differences in output."
"The longer you live, the more chance you’ll run out of money, so that’s a worst case for financial planning."
Episode references:
Social Security Administration Life Expectancy Info: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html
Rational Expectations by William Bernstein: https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Expectations-Asset-Allocation-Prosperity/dp/0988780313
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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 3423:
Jackie Beck explains why emotions, not logic, are the key to successfully paying off debt. By focusing on the smallest balances or the debts that weigh heaviest emotionally, you’re more likely to build momentum and stay motivated, leading to long-term behavioral change and financial freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/what-debt-to-pay-off-first/
Quotes to ponder:
"Put your debts in order from smallest to largest and get rid of the first one as fast as you can."
"Logic wasn’t a factor in getting into debt, and it’s not going to be the biggest factor in getting out."
"Remember, a huge part of how to get out of debt is changing your behavior for good."
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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 3422:
JD Roth explores the practical and psychological benefits of prepaying a mortgage, even when the math favors investing. Drawing on Charles Givens’ strategy, he outlines a flexible approach that slashes loan terms while offering financial peace of mind and long-term freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/mortgage-prepayment-made-easy-own-your-home-in-half-the-time/
Quotes to ponder:
"You can pay off your 30-year mortgage in half the time without refinancing by making extra principal payments."
"Many people find peace of mind in paying off their mortgages and owning their homes outright, especially as they approach retirement."
"Every time we make a payment, we're essentially making two payments, cutting the term of our mortgage in half."
Episode references:
Wealth Without Risk: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Without-Risk-Charles-Givens/dp/0671675567
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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 3421:
Julien Saunders shares ten hard-earned insights about life and money after attending FinCon, a gathering of financial thinkers and creators. From redefining success beyond wealth to embracing the power of community, these lessons encourage deeper reflection on how we pursue freedom, fulfillment, and financial independence.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/10-lessons-about-life-and-money-after-attending-fincon/
Quotes to ponder:
"The commas and zeroes aren’t what makes you happier. The freedom it brings does."
"There is immeasurable value in having a community."
"Making money is easy. Making it last is hard and boring AF."
Episode references:
FinCon: https://finconexpo.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters: https://www.bbbs.org
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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 3420:
Kevin from Financial Panther lays out a clear and grounded case against investing in cryptocurrency, emphasizing its speculative nature, environmental cost, and potential for scams. Instead, he champions proven, low-risk strategies like investing in index funds and building personal assets, showing that financial success doesn't require chasing risky trends.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://financialpanther.com/i-will-never-recommend-crypto/
Quotes to ponder:
"The great thing is you don’t need any big wins to win at investing."
"Investing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a long game, and the formula to win is pretty simple."
"It’s not about that one big win. It’s about consistently putting in the work and having the patience to keep going over the long term."
Episode references:
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Common-Sense-Investing/dp/1119404509
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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 3419:
Rose shares how minimalism transformed her approach to shopping, from emotional spending sprees to intentional, purposeful purchases. By distinguishing between shopping for connection and shopping for necessity, she reveals how minimalists can still enjoy shopping, without the clutter or regret.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roselounsbury.com/minimalist-shopping/
Quotes to ponder:
"Shopping as activity requires a certain kind of self-control."
"I used to think buying items on clearance meant I was finding 'deals.' Actually, what I was finding was a bunch of ill-fitting, low-quality items that I didn’t need."
"Know yourself, and know if you can handle this type of shopping or not."
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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 3418:
Sarah Von Bargen shares practical, compassionate advice for navigating financial disagreements in relationships, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and emotional awareness. Learn how to set up simple systems that prevent resentment and foster teamwork, especially when incomes differ or spending priorities clash.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.yesandyes.org/2017/02/how-to-argue-about-money.html
Quotes to ponder:
"It’s about the lives we want for ourselves and the things that are important to us."
"Having three accounts reduces guilt, resentment, and all those other bad feelings by, like, a million."
"Expenses we truly share = expenses we don’t bicker about, right?"
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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 3417:
Courtney Luke shares three actionable strategies to help you consistently live within your means, without feeling restricted. Learn how to adapt your budget to life changes, stay accountable using simple tools, and protect your financial safety net by resisting the urge to overspend.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://arrestyourdebt.com/tips-for-living-on-a-budget/
Quotes to ponder:
"Budgeting goes beyond planning, and the important thing is sticking to your plan."
"The first step towards living within your budget is to understand how much money you have available for monthly expenses."
"The temptation to use the buffer is high when you exceed your monthly budget."
Episode references:
HoneyDue: https://www.honeydue.com
EveryDollar: https://www.everydollar.com
Mint: https://mint.intuit.com
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![3416: [Part 2] What Are The Costs Of Working? by Marjolein Dilven of Radical FIRE on Hidden Work Expenses](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f98e1e6a-e283-11f0-81af-dfa62801962d/image/a3a0a142ff98522885c9911da5fb3e05.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3416: [Part 2] What Are The Costs Of Working? by Marjolein Dilven of Radical FIRE on Hidden Work Expenses")
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Episode 3416:
Marjolein Dilven breaks down the often-overlooked financial downsides of employment, from hidden food and daycare costs to the inflated prices of weekend outings and daily convenience purchases. She offers practical strategies for minimizing these expenses, like meal prepping, shared childcare, and smarter shopping, encouraging listeners to rethink how much they truly earn after factoring in the real costs of working.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://radicalfire.com/costs-of-working/
Quotes to ponder:
"Since meals in the office are significantly more expensive compared to making meals at home, you will spend extra money."
"If your cost of working is taking too much from your additional salary, you could decide not to take the other job."
"You have to spend money to earn money."
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![3415: [Part 1] What Are The Costs Of Working? by Marjolein Dilven of Radical FIRE on Hidden Work Expenses](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7dc71c1e-e283-11f0-88f0-c718dae0660d/image/41cf7ac24818d912a0fbbdf256b4105d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3415: [Part 1] What Are The Costs Of Working? by Marjolein Dilven of Radical FIRE on Hidden Work Expenses")
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 3415:
Marjolein Dilven reveals the hidden financial drain of maintaining a job, from commuting expenses to wardrobe updates and higher taxes. By unpacking both direct and indirect work-related costs, she empowers readers to rethink their true take-home pay and consider the potential savings in early retirement.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://radicalfire.com/costs-of-working/
Quotes to ponder:
"You’re probably spending more money on work than you realize."
"When you stop working, most of the taxes will go away."
"Dressing for success also costs us a significant amount of money each month."
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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 3414:
Tiffany Aliche lays out five straightforward steps to help 20-somethings take control of their financial future, without sacrificing enjoyment in the present. By focusing on smart habits like maxing out 401k matches, avoiding bad debt, and setting realistic savings goals, young adults can set themselves up for a secure and stress-free retirement.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thebudgetnista.com/retirement-start-early/
Quotes to ponder:
"The earlier you start, the sooner you can get your money working for you."
"A dollar saved is a dollar earned."
"Credit cards, auto loan, these are considered bad debts since they don’t appreciate in value."
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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 3413:
Chris unpacks the hidden psychology behind everyday spending and reveals how the “Frivolous Purchase Threshold” tricks us into justifying impulse buys. With practical, mindset-shifting tips, this piece empowers you to realign spending with your goals and escape the trap of low-cost, low-value clutter.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.keepthrifty.com/frivolous-purchase-threshold/
Quotes to ponder:
"Rather than wasting your money on frivolous purchases, redefine your FPT to $0 and put your money where your heart is."
"Whatever number you use in that statement, whether it’s $10, $20, or $20, is your own, personal frivolous purchase threshold."
"Putting small barriers in the way helps us leverage our laziness to prevent unnecessary purchases."
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Episode 3412:
Christina Browning offers a realistic yet hopeful roadmap for those in their 40s, 50s, or 60s who haven’t started saving for retirement. By focusing on smart budgeting, strategic investing, income awareness, and practical lifestyle changes, she shows how late starters can still build financial security and achieve retirement peace of mind.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/older-and-dont-have-a-retirement-plan-do-this
Quotes to ponder:
"You can’t borrow or get a loan for your retirement, but your children can for their education."
"When you’re dealing with retirement accounts when you’re older, age is actually an advantage for you."
"Remain hopeful about your situation because financial independence is possible even when you’re starting late!"
Episode references:
Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov
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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 3411:
Mike Ballew explains why home warranties are often a poor financial decision, describing them as overpriced plans for predictable expenses rather than true insurance. He makes a compelling case for self-insurance, urging homeowners to save strategically instead of relying on warranty companies that rarely deliver full value.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://eggstack.com/blog/2020-03-08-Are-Home-Warranties-Worth-It/
Quotes to ponder:
"Home warranties are forced savings for people who don’t have the self-discipline to save."
"Insurance performs well when the risk is low and the potential damages are high."
"You don’t need to insure against things that are totally predictable."
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Episode 3410:
Struggling to get back into a fitness routine? Chalene shares simple, realistic tips to break through workout slumps, like using alarms, pump-up playlists, and the “five-minute” rule, to rebuild momentum and motivation. These powerful strategies don’t just apply to exercise, but can kickstart productivity and focus in all areas of your life.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/in-a-workout-slump-here-are-some-great-tips-to-get-motivated-again/
Quotes to ponder:
"By promising yourself only five minutes you get through the toughest part and may have an even more successful workout than usual."
"A workout can be a great way to boost motivation in other areas of your life."
"After a couple of songs I’m feeling more motivated and excited about the workout and the blahs I had before are gone."
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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 3409:
Amanda Brownlow shares the practical and personal journey she and her husband took to slash nearly $1,000 from their monthly spending, despite starting off with no budgeting experience. By swapping luxury for value, like ditching cable, using cash envelopes, and mastering couponing, they transformed their finances with sustainable habits anyone can replicate.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2016/03/20/how-we-began-to-slash-our-budget/
Quotes to ponder:
"Cash is tangible and it’s harder for me to let go of than running my magic swipey card through the register."
"The process is hard at first, but when you get the hang of looking at your entire paycheck down to the very last cent, you get to see exactly where all your money goes."
"I started to shop less and less for things that I didn’t really need like that new eye shadow pallet or a new pair of shoes that I won’t even wear."
Episode references:
The Total Money Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/0785289089
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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 3408:
Nick Maggiulli unpacks the rise and downfall of Atlas Trading, a group of financial influencers charged with running a $100 million pump-and-dump scheme. Through this cautionary tale, and a parallel story of extreme legal risk-taking, he exposes the dangerous allure of quick profits, while reminding us that the real pros in finance aren’t making headlines; they’re quietly doing honest work.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/trading-games/
Quotes to ponder:
“Do not use followers as exit liquidity. Do not flex, or entice others to do your trades. Do not lie.”
“The more risk you take, the more likely you are to see an extreme outcome (to the upside or the downside).”
“In the game of trading, the only winning move is not to play.”
Episode references:
Jason Zweig – The Intelligent Investor column: https://www.wsj.com/news/author/jason-zweig
SEC lawsuit press release: https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2022-219
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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 3407:
Mikey Rox lays out six practical, no-nonsense strategies to help you take back control of your finances, from ditching impulsive spending to identifying hidden subscription drains. With expert insights from voices like Jeff Kreisler and Logan Abbott, this guide empowers you to be more mindful with your money and avoid common financial traps that keep people stuck.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lenpenzo.com/blog/id50507-6-ways-to-resuscitate-your-doa-finances-today-2.html
Quotes to ponder:
"When you buy something that used to be $100 but is 35% off, you’re not ‘saving’ $35, you’re spending $65. Instead, compare the price you’re paying to zero, that is, the price of not buying it at all."
"Pull up your online banking information and write down every single recurring subscription that you’ve paid during the past 90 days."
"These methods are unavoidable, but keep in mind that paying in cash will always save you money. Try to be mindful and treat all of your payments as if they were cash."
Episode references:
Wirefly: https://www.wirefly.com
Dollars and Sense: https://www.amazon.com/Dollars-Sense-Smart-People-Money/dp/006265120X
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Episode 3406:
A Purple Life shares her simple yet powerful approach to guiding friends through the path to financial independence. By letting curiosity lead the conversation, encouraging preparation, and offering gentle follow-ups, she shows how to make meaningful financial change feel both approachable and empowering.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurplelife.com/2019/04/16/how-to-teach-a-curious-friend-about-financial-independence/
Quotes to ponder:
"People are sensitive to money talk."
"Finances in the US have the weird distinction of being up there with sex, religion and politics for topics that we don’t often discuss."
"Gentle reminders seem to help keep people on track."
Episode references:
401(k): https://www.investopedia.com/terms/1/401kplan.asp
Mint: https://www.mint.com
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Optimal Finance Daily works because it simplifies complex financial ideas into practical advice, echoing Wikipedia’s point that clear education improves financial literacy. Diania Merriam’s style keeps listeners motivated and helps them apply budgeting and investing tips in real life. Even tools like take-home-pay-calculator show how small, practical resources support better financial decisions every day. https://take-home-pay-calculator.uk/
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