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

3500: [Part 2] How to Model the Retirement Income Gap by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet 23.03.2026

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 3500: Darrow Kirkpatrick explains how present value analysis can simplify retirement planning by converting complex future income streams into a single number in today’s dollars. This method helps estimate whether your current savings and expe...

3499: [Part 1] How to Model the Retirement Income Gap by Darrow Kirkpatrick of Can I Retire Yet 22.03.2026

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 3499: Darrow Kirkpatrick explains that the traditional idea of retirement, working steadily until benefits begin, is often unrealistic for modern retirees facing early retirement, delayed Social Security, or staggered spousal timelines. He int...

3498: Why You Should Stop Donating Your Stuff (and Do This First) by Anthony Ongaro of Break The Twitch 22.03.2026

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 3498: Anthony Ongaro challenges the common habit of automatically donating unwanted items, explaining how overloaded donation centers often can’t resell everything. He argues that selling items first helps recover value, encourages more intent...

3497: 5 Ways To Minimize Debt and Increase Your Retirement by Courtney Luke of Arrest Your Debt 21.03.2026

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 3497: Courtney Luke explains how escaping the debt cycle starts with simple but disciplined financial habits like cutting credit card use, adjusting lifestyle choices, and committing to consistent payments. By increasing payments when possible...

3496: Why Paying For A Storage Unit Is A Waste of Money by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents 20.03.2026

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 3496: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner challenges the common habit of renting storage units, revealing how easily small monthly fees can turn into thousands of dollars spent on things rarely used. By sharing her own experience and eye-opening statis...

3495: The Road From Rats to Riches by Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular on Wealth Building Journey 19.03.2026

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 3495: Julien Saunders reflects on how perceptions of wealth are often illusions shaped by appearances, social comparison, and hidden financial struggles. Through personal stories about moving from Brooklyn to Atlanta and experiencing poverty f...

3494: What is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work? by James Lambridis of Debt MD on Debt Settlement Explained 18.03.2026

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 3494: James Lambridis explains how debt settlement companies negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount you owe, offering a potential path out of overwhelming credit card or medical debt. He also outlines the structure of settlement p...

3493: Best Ways to Build an Emergency Fund by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money 17.03.2026

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 3493: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock explain how building an emergency fund creates financial stability and protects you from relying on debt when unexpected expenses arise. They show how even small, consistent savings, like starting with $25 a...

3492: [Part 2] Should I Refinance My Mortgage by Scott Rieckens of Playing With Fire on Long-Term Mortgage Planning 16.03.2026

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 3492: Scott Rieckens explains how refinancing a mortgage can accelerate the path to financial independence when done strategically. He walks through how to evaluate lenders, compare rates and fees, and prepare your credit and documents so the...

3491: [Part 1] Should I Refinance My Mortgage by Scott Rieckens of Playing With Fire on Long-Term Mortgage Planning 15.03.2026

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 3491: Scott Rieckens explains how mortgage refinancing works and why lower interest rates can potentially accelerate the path to financial independence. He breaks down the major mortgage types, the impact of lowering your rate, and when switch...

3490: Cook the Negativity by Keith Wilson on Working Through Negativity 15.03.2026

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 3490: Keith Wilson explains how the mind naturally fixates on negative experiences and overlooks small moments of success and positivity. By deliberately noticing and strengthening these small positive exceptions, people can gradually reshape...

3489: Buying Too Much Stuff is Driven By Uncertainty by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Mindful Consumption 14.03.2026

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 3489: Leo Babauta explores how the urge to buy more possessions often comes from our discomfort with uncertainty rather than true necessity. He explains that shopping becomes a coping mechanism for anxiety, insecurity, and the desire for contr...

3488: Life Insurance Beneficiary by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Financial Legacy 13.03.2026

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 3488: Jeff Rose explains why choosing a life insurance beneficiary requires careful wording and thoughtful planning to avoid legal complications and unintended payouts. By clearly defining beneficiaries, accounting for complex family situation...

3487: 4 Steps to Mastering the Cash Envelope System by Amanda Brownlow on Cash Flow Awareness 12.03.2026

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 3487: Amanda Brownlow explains how switching from card swipes to physical money can transform the way you think about spending and help you stay in control of your budget. She shares practical habits, like organizing spending categories, revie...

3486: How to Retire: 5 Steps to a Secure Future by Kathleen Coxwell of New Retirement on Confident Retirement Planning 11.03.2026

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 3486: Kathleen Coxwell explains that a secure retirement isn’t just about how much you’ve saved, it’s about building a flexible plan that evolves with your life. By defining your purpose, modeling different financial scenarios, and making stra...

3485: The Secret to Staying Motivated When Getting Out of Debt by Jackie Beck on Debt-Free Commitment 10.03.2026

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 3485: Jackie Beck explains that what most people call motivation is actually short-lived inspiration, while real motivation is the deeper reason behind why you want change. By clearly defining how life will improve, less stress, better sleep,...

3484: [Part 2] Lifestyle Inflation Is Okay - Just Let It Happen On Your Terms by Kevin of Financial Panther 09.03.2026

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 3484: Kevin explains why delaying lifestyle inflation can be a powerful strategic move, especially when you’re young and free from external expectations. By reaching Coast FI early and building financial flexibility before life gets more compl...

3483: [Part 1] Lifestyle Inflation Is Okay - Just Let It Happen On Your Terms by Kevin of Financial Panther 08.03.2026

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 3483: Kevin challenges the idea that lifestyle inflation is a personal failure, sharing how he and his wife lived far below their means for nearly a decade before consciously choosing to upgrade their lifestyle. He explains why increasing spen...

3482: Expectations Create Reality by Rachel Trotta on Mindset and Success 08.03.2026

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 3482: Rachel Trotta explores how expectations shape outcomes, drawing powerful parallels between financial planning and fitness. Through the contrasting stories of Lucy and John, she reveals how mindset, vision, and belief directly influence l...

3481: To Be Young! The Best Time to Invest by Jesse Cramer of Best Interest on Long-Term Investing Strategy 07.03.2026

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 3481: Jesse Cramer breaks down the math behind compound interest to show why your 20s carry extraordinary financial power. Through Wallace’s simple investing strategy, he reveals how just a few early years of consistent investing can rival dec...

3480: Should You Die With Zero? by Nick Maggiulli of Of Dollars and Data on Retirement Spending Strategy 06.03.2026

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 3480: Nick Maggiulli challenges the traditional obsession with building ever-larger nest eggs by exploring Bill Perkins’ bold philosophy of spending intentionally and aiming to die with little to no money left. Drawing on data about retiree we...

3479: Who is Eligible For an FHA Loan? by Andrew of Dollar After Dollar on Home Appraisal Standards 05.03.2026

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 3479: Andrew breaks down the key requirements and limitations borrowers need to understand before pursuing this government-backed mortgage option. From credit score thresholds and debt-to-income ratios to property standards and mortgage insura...

3478: How to Live Rent and Mortgage Free by Christina Browning of Our Rich Journey on Financial Independence 04.03.2026

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 3478: Christina Browning challenges the conventional 30% housing rule and shares how she and her husband creatively eliminated rent and mortgage payments for over a decade. By rethinking traditional housing models, from resident advisor roles...

3477: How to Prepare for Buying a Home by Jim Wang with Get Rich Slowly on Budgeting for Homeownership 03.03.2026

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 3477: Jim Wang lays out a practical, no-nonsense roadmap for getting financially ready to buy a home, emphasizing stability, low debt, and intentional preparation before ever applying for a loan. From “playing house” with your budget to declut...

3476: [Part 2] 5 Steps To Learn To Spend In Retirement by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto 02.03.2026

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 3476: Fritz Gilbert challenges retirees to shift from a lifetime of saving to confidently spending on what truly matters, offering five practical steps to break ingrained frugal habits. From building a reliable withdrawal system to funding mea...

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