Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriam

Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

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...

Author

Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriam

Category

Business

Podcast website

oldpodcast.com

Latest episode

Jul 11, 2026

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Episodes

3325: Why Lifestyle Inflation is Harmful and How to Avoid it by Mr. Finer on Living Well Without Overspending 21.10.2025

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 3325: Mr. Finer breaks down the subtle yet powerful trap of lifestyle inflation, showing how incremental upgrades in spending can quietly sabotage financial independence. By focusing on maximizing happiness and utility instead of status, he of...

3324: The Triumph of Logos by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars And Data on Logic Over Emotion in Money Decisions 20.10.2025

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 3324: Nick Maggiulli explores how the personal finance world is shifting from emotional storytelling and appeals to authority toward logic-driven, evidence-based insights. By comparing this evolution to the transformation seen in martial arts...

3323: Don't Eat the Doughnut by Craig Stephens of Retire Before Dad on Delayed Gratification 19.10.2025

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 3323: Craig Stephens uses the simple act of resisting a doughnut to illustrate how self-control and delayed gratification fuel long-term financial freedom. His reflection shows that every small disciplined choice shapes a stronger mindset, gre...

3322: Conquering your "Feelings Phobia" by Rachel Shanken of Mind Body Wise on Facing Your Emotions 19.10.2025

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 3322: Rachel Shanken invites readers to confront their “feelings phobia” by understanding that emotions are not threats but valuable messages from within. Through mindfulness, compassion, and gentle curiosity, she shows how embracing our emoti...

3321: 5 Things That Happen When You Stop Buying S*** You Don’t Need by Sarah Von Bargen on Spending with Intention 18.10.2025

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 3321: Sarah Von Bargen reveals how cutting out unnecessary purchases transforms not just your finances but your confidence, peace of mind, and relationship with your space. By aligning spending with genuine joy and values, she shows that mindf...

3320: My Worst Money Mistakes by ESI on Lessons Learned from Financial Missteps 17.10.2025

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 3320: ESI pulls back the curtain on his biggest financial missteps, from reckless early spending to investing in high-fee mutual funds and getting burned by an uninsured bank. With hard-earned humility and clear-eyed reflection, he shows that...

3319: The Fallacy of Homeownership by Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular on The Truth About Buying Homes 16.10.2025

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 3319: Julien Saunders challenges the long-held belief that homeownership is the ultimate symbol of financial success, revealing the hidden costs, inefficiencies, and limitations it often creates. By examining oversized houses, expensive mortga...

3318: [Part 2] Are You Feeling Lucky? The Two Schools of Retirement Income by Darrow Kirkpatrick on Retirement Planning Basics 15.10.2025

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 3318: Darrow Kirkpatrick unpacks the real distinction in retirement income strategies, not between risk and safety, but between who manages the risk, you or an insurance company. He argues for a flexible, hybrid approach that evolves over time...

3317: [Part 1] Are You Feeling Lucky? The Two Schools of Retirement Income by Darrow Kirkpatrick on Retirement Planning Basics 14.10.2025

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 3317: Darrow Kirkpatrick explores the two dominant schools of retirement income planning: probability-based strategies, which rely on investment growth and withdrawal methods, and safety-first approaches, which prioritize guaranteed income thr...

3316: The Downsides to Owning Out of State Rental Properties by Joel of 5AM Joel on Hidden Risks of Rentals 13.10.2025

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 3316: Joel shares the real challenges of managing rental properties far from home, from unexpected repair costs and multiple state tax filings to navigating local laws and building trust with teams you’ve never met in person. With practical st...

3315: Control The Urge To Splurge: How To Save More Money by Sam of Financial Samurai on Smart Money Habits 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 3315: Sam Dogen explores the psychology behind overspending and how to recognize the emotional triggers that lead to impulse purchases. By shifting focus toward long-term satisfaction, building awareness, and setting up practical guardrails, h...

3314: Listen and Learn From Successful Athletes by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Building a Winner’s Mindset 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 3314: Ross Enamait highlights the importance of learning from the journeys of accomplished athletes, not just their victories. By listening to their struggles, persistence, and adaptability, we gain practical lessons that extend far beyond spo...

3313: Why Student Loans are Not “Good” Debt by Jen Hayes on Rethinking Education Loans 11.10.2025

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 3313: Jen Hayes challenges the common belief that student loans are “good debt,” showing how high interest, limited return on investment, and the inability to discharge loans in bankruptcy can create a lifelong financial burden. She urges stud...

3312: How One Pay Raise Can Lead to Debt Freedom by Andy Hill of Marriage Kids and Money on Smart Money Choices 10.10.2025

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 3312: Andy Hill shares how a single pay raise became the spark that transformed his financial future. Instead of succumbing to lifestyle creep, he and his wife used the extra income to eliminate debt, build wealth, and ultimately gain the free...

3311: Why Choose An Independent Life Insurance Agent by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Money Decisions 09.10.2025

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 3311: Jeff Rose explains why working with an independent life insurance agent can simplify the often confusing process of finding coverage. Unlike exclusive agents tied to one company, independent agents compare policies across multiple insure...

3310: [Part 2] Investing a Large Sum of Money: What to Do by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey 08.10.2025

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 3310: Christina Browning highlights smart strategies for handling a financial windfall by focusing on financial literacy, setting long-term goals, and weighing whether to pay off debt or invest. She explores practical investment options, build...

3309: [Part 1] Investing a Large Sum of Money: What to Do by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey 07.10.2025

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 3309: Christina Browning highlights the key mistakes to avoid when investing a large sum of money, especially on the path to financial independence. She stresses the importance of financial literacy, avoiding liabilities disguised as assets, a...

3308: Interesting Financial Rules to Follow by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on How to Budget Successfully 06.10.2025

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 3308: J. Money unpacks a variety of common financial rules of thumb, covering housing, retirement, life insurance, budgeting percentages, and saving for college, and questions how useful they really are in practice. His reflections reveal that...

3307: 100 Countries or an S.U.V.? by Chris Guillebeau on How to Build True Wealth with Experiences 05.10.2025

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 3307: Chris Guillebeau challenges the conventional notion of success by contrasting the purchase of an expensive SUV with the life-changing experience of visiting 100 countries. He reminds readers that real wealth lies in experiences, freedom,...

3306: How We Feel Secure with Owning Less by Amanda Brownlow on How to Become Financially Free 05.10.2025

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 3306: Amanda Brownlow shares how shifting from owning more to embracing minimalism brought her family peace of mind, improved finances, and deeper contentment. By letting go of excess possessions and the mindset that more equals security, she...

3305: Tax Lien Investing: Can You Make Good Money? by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money 04.10.2025

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 3305: Tax lien investing offers the promise of diversification, steady returns, and even the chance to acquire property at a fraction of its value. But as Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock explain, the risks and complexities, such as bidding wars,...

3304: 2 Things You Absolutely MUST Do If You Want to Get Out of Debt by Jackie Beck on How to Improve My Finances 03.10.2025

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 3304: Jackie Beck emphasizes two foundational, yet often overlooked, steps to finally break free from debt: stop borrowing and stay committed through the ups and downs. Her practical advice reframes debt not as a budgeting puzzle but a mindset...

3303: Reasons to Stay Away From a Roth IRA by Scott Spann with Financial Finesse on Big Money Decisions 02.10.2025

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 3303: Scott Spann explores situations where a Roth IRA may not be the best choice, highlighting factors like early withdrawal temptations, uncertain future tax rates, and the potential benefits of focusing on career development instead. His pe...

3302: The Number One Impact on Your Investments is YOU by Kent Thune with Get Rich Slowly 01.10.2025

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 3302: Kent Thune reminds us that the greatest factor in long-term investing success is not the market, the economy, or government policy, but ourselves. By focusing on what we can control, like asset allocation, time in the market, and savings...

3301: [Part 2] The Four Backstops to the Four Percent Rule by Sean Mullaney on Social Security Benefits 30.09.2025

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 3301: Sean Mullaney explains how early retirees may have hidden safety nets that reduce the risk of running out of money under the 4% rule. From the progressive structure of Social Security benefits to the flexibility of housing choices and ev...

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