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...
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Episode 3388:
Robert Farrington outlines how international bonds can offer valuable diversification to a portfolio, especially when U.S. markets falter. While foreign bonds bring potential for growth and currency advantage, they also carry unique risks, making thoughtful allocation and rebalancing essential for long-term investors.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thecollegeinvestor.com/33391/international-bonds/
Quotes to ponder:
"Rather than buying the bonds of some country directly, which can be complex, you can invest in foreign bonds through mutual funds and ETFs."
"The global bond market is far larger and more liquid than the global stock market."
"Foreign bonds denominated in the issuing country’s currency (i.e., U.K. bonds in British pounds) will have an inverse correlation with the dollar."
Episode references:
Total International Bond ETF (BNDX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/etfs/profile/bndx
LearnBonds: https://www.learnbonds.com
Total World Bond ETF (BNDW): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/etfs/profile/bndw
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Episode 3387:
JL Collins dismantles the myth of homeownership as a wise investment by outlining its hidden costs, risks, and poor returns compared to other financial vehicles. He challenges deeply held beliefs by showing how homes drain resources, limit flexibility, and often deliver subpar gains, all while being propped up by emotion and government subsidies.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/05/29/why-your-house-is-a-terrible-investment/
Quotes to ponder:
“While the structure never appreciates in value, the land a house sits on can appreciate in value due to changes in supply and demand.”
"Imagine if our investment could somehow tie its owner to the fate of one narrow location. The risk could be enormous!"
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Episode 3386:
Jen Hayes reveals how adopting a minimalist mindset helped her lose 50 pounds by stripping away fitness industry noise and focusing on what truly matters. By choosing enjoyable movement, ditching fad diets, and prioritizing health over appearance, she built a simple, sustainable routine that feels good and actually works.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.simplyfiercely.com/minimalist-approach-fitness/
Quotes to ponder:
"Minimalism is about getting rid of the things that don’t matter so we can focus on the things that do."
"Life is too short to waste it doing things you hate."
"If your diet or exercise plan is making you miserable, try a different approach."
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![3385: [Part 2] How to Create Sustainable Money Habits by Liz of FrugalWoods on Mindful Consumption](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6022467a-cc76-11f0-a473-7be087df1d46/image/2b4f7be321127c5d810f1e9b988a3f6a.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3385: [Part 2] How to Create Sustainable Money Habits by Liz of FrugalWoods on Mindful Consumption")
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Episode 3385:
Liz offers a practical and compassionate guide to building money habits that actually last, not by aiming for perfection, but by focusing on consistency, simplicity, and clarity. Through small behavioral shifts like removing temptations and redefining priorities, she shows how anyone can make sustainable progress toward financial peace and intentional living.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.frugalwoods.com/2020/01/31/how-to-create-sustainable-money-habits/
Quotes to ponder:
"Slice away at your spending and your possessions to let the best rise to the top."
“Make small, incremental changes you can stick to.”
“Spend money on things related to those priorities and eliminate spending that’s counter to those priorities.”
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![3384: [Part 1] How to Create Sustainable Money Habits by Liz of FrugalWoods on Mindful Consumption](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b70a8840-cc75-11f0-af15-9349bd49442c/image/6428fb77fa623bce13f285d644c505a8.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3384: [Part 1] How to Create Sustainable Money Habits by Liz of FrugalWoods on Mindful Consumption")
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 3384:
Liz from Frugalwoods lays out a practical framework for building sustainable money habits by emphasizing small, consistent changes over dramatic overhauls. By reshaping routines, engineering your environment, and disrupting autopilot spending, she shows how frugality can become effortless and long-lasting.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.frugalwoods.com/2020/01/31/how-to-create-sustainable-money-habits/
Quotes to ponder:
"Frugality can become your default and you can train yourself to do the right thing with your money."
"Routines create automatic pathways for how we live our lives; we can follow positive routines or negative routines."
"If you want to spend more time reviewing your finances and goal-setting, make it part of your weekly/monthly routine."
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Episode 3383:
Leif explores the emotional rollercoaster that often follows early retirement, comparing its initial thrill to a honeymoon that inevitably fades. As routines set in and novelty wears off, the real challenge emerges: facing boredom, fear, and the search for lasting fulfillment. Learn how pivoting from scarcity to abundance thinking can help transform this emotional shift into a powerful catalyst for personal growth.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.physicianonfire.com/honeymoon-phase-of-retirement/
Quotes to ponder:
"Fear is likely a result of wondering if you have enough. Not enough money. Maybe enough joy? Happiness? Potential fulfillment?"
"Choose the abundance mindset rather than the scarcity one, and you might find that you need fewer spreadsheets to keep track of your joy."
"Keep digging into what brought you moments of flow in earlier phases of life, keep bringing those back."
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Episode 3382:
Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock break down the subtle but impactful differences between being frugal and being cheap, helping you assess whether your money-saving habits align with your values or if they may be costing more than you think. Learn how mindful spending can preserve relationships, support long-term goals, and still keep your finances in check.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/frugal-or-cheap-how-to-tell-why-matters/
Quotes to ponder:
"Frugality means your spending decisions are aligned with your priorities and values, not going without or suffering because you lack things you need."
"Being cheap is being selfish with your money."
"Trying to save money can be a real challenge and there may be times where you find yourself being cheap instead of frugal."
Episode references:
BeFrugal: https://www.befrugal.com
Ibotta: https://www.ibotta.com
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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 3381:
Amanda Brownlow challenges the traditional mindset of extreme frugality by showing how intentional spending can lead to long-term savings. From prioritizing health and quality items to investing in insurance and expert financial advice, she explains why spending a little more now can prevent costly mistakes and replacements later.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2020/10/14/spend-money-to-save-money/
Quotes to ponder:
"Spending money on a gym membership (that you actually use), home gym equipment, whole food items, supplements, and more can help keep you healthy."
"Staying healthy not only makes you feel good, but you save money in the long term, too."
"You may need to save up money to purchase what you really want, but that higher quality item will pay for itself over time because you won’t have to buy it again."
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Episode 3380:
Kathleen Coxwell highlights how millennials, often seen as financially unstable, are actually modeling habits that can lead to a more flexible and fulfilling retirement. From downsizing and ditching costly assets to prioritizing experiences, connection, and purpose, their lifestyle offers valuable lessons in living well both now and later.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/learn-from-millennials-for-better-retirement-2/
Quotes to ponder:
"Millennials crave the joy of adventures and discoveries, whether epic or everyday."
"Talking about money is a good thing. Behavioral research has found that having peers who have good financial habits can help you to have good financial habits."
"You can actually slow down the clock by trying new things."
Episode references:
U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov
Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.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 3379:
J. Money unpacks how billions of dollars in unclaimed property are just sitting around, waiting to be claimed, including hundreds his own wife forgot about from a decade-old paycheck. With step-by-step guidance and a few laughs, he shows how easy (and free) it is to search for and reclaim your lost funds, and possibly help your friends and family do the same.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/find-unclaimed-money-property/
Quotes to ponder:
"It literally takes a handful of seconds to get started, and there’s no excuse for not giving it a shot."
"Claims can be made into perpetuity in most cases, even by heirs."
"Unclaimed property is one of the original consumer protection programs."
Episode references:
Virginia unclaimed property search: https://vamoneysearch.gov/
Unclaimed.org (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators): https://www.unclaimed.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 3378:
Michael Mehlberg challenges the productivity trend of cutting out distractions by flipping the script, urging us to protect the activities that fuel us through a not-to-give-up list. This powerful mindset helps you stay motivated, avoid burnout, and build a life that balances achievement with joy.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://michaelmehlberg.com/blog/2018/5/30/you-dont-have-to-give-up-important-things-to-get-important-things-done
Quotes to ponder:
"Forced self-control only works when you're not stressed or tired."
"Without a clear purpose for every item that goes on this list, you'll find yourself ignoring it, or worse, binging on the very things you add to it."
"And that's the beauty of a not-to-give-up list. You put the focus on what's important in your life."
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Episode 3377:
Dr. Lisa Firestone explores how our emotional history, especially early experiences with money, shapes our current financial stress and self-worth. She reveals how the "critical inner voice" hijacks our judgment, fueling guilt, anxiety, and self-sabotage, and offers practical tools for developing healthier financial beliefs and habits.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/money-stress-why-we-feel-bad-about-money/
Quotes to ponder:
"The critical inner voice can cloud your judgment when it comes to money, because you are no longer making choices based on real, practical information."
"Don’t avoid your fears or try to self-soothe. Neither buying something you can’t afford nor denying yourself any little luxury will truly relieve you."
“The critical inner voice often creates conflict between couples when it comes to money.”
Episode references:
Stress in America survey by the American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress
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Episode 3376:
Nick Maggiulli unpacks how wealthy individuals allocate their assets, revealing that investment strategies often depend more on access and status than on performance alone. While ultra-wealthy investors lean heavily into alternatives like private equity and hedge funds, this typically happens after wealth is accumulated, not as the path to it, offering a crucial reminder to focus on what works for your own situation rather than mimicking the elite.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/how-do-the-wealthy-invest/
Quotes to ponder:
"Try not to forget that the wealthiest 10% of Americans own nearly 90% of all U.S. stocks!"
“Not all investing is about money, sometimes it’s about status too.”
“There are many ways to preserve and grow your wealth. The hard part is finding what works best for you.”
Episode references:
Michael Kitces: https://www.kitces.com
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Episode 3375:
Honey Smith explores the practical and psychological benefits of keeping physical cash as part of your emergency fund, especially in times when digital access to money may be disrupted. Weighing the pros and cons, from peace of mind and preparedness to lost interest and security risks, she offers clear guidance on how much cash to keep, where to store it, and why doing so could be a smart addition to your financial safety net.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/should-cash-be-part-of-your-emergency-fund/
Quotes to ponder:
"You'll never be out of money when you need it."
"Cash can't be garnished like a paycheck or bank account, and it isn't easily traced."
"If you lose the money, it gets destroyed, you are robbed, etc., you may have very little recourse."
Episode references:
Mint: https://mint.intuit.com/
Capital One 360: https://www.capitalone.com/bank/savings-accounts/online-performance-savings-account/
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![3374: [Part 2] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b89cde36-c6f0-11f0-af16-83b5861893ac/image/8b16e9a6e22a9fb99c99da9d37c8c85c.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3374: [Part 2] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto")
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Episode 3374:
Fritz Gilbert outlines three key adjustments to improve the sustainability of retirement withdrawals in today’s uncertain market environment: lowering the withdrawal rate to 3.3%, adopting a dynamic spending strategy tied to market performance, and increasing international equity exposure. These practical shifts help retirees better manage risk and longevity while maintaining spending flexibility.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/rethinking-the-4-safe-withdrawal-rule/
Quotes to ponder:
"Being willing and able to adjust your spending based on actual market returns has been proven to increase your statistical chances of not outliving your money."
“Run the numbers. Be safe out there.”
Episode references:
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vtiax
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![3373: [Part 1] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f0f51ca-c6ef-11f0-bcb4-6757b69637fd/image/597c21fbce61fb8fbabc2b7f6a25f3ac.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "3373: [Part 1] Rethinking the 4 Percent Safe Withdrawal Rule by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto")
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Episode 3373:
Fritz Gilbert challenges the conventional 4% safe withdrawal rule, arguing that its simplicity may be dangerously outdated given today’s market conditions. He outlines key concerns about relying on historical data, inflated equity valuations, and rising interest rates, and hints at three practical adjustments he personally uses to reduce risk in retirement spending.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/rethinking-the-4-safe-withdrawal-rule/
Quotes to ponder:
"Bond prices are inversely related to interest rates, so as rates go up, bond prices go down."
"Assuming a minimum requirement of 30 years of portfolio longevity, a first-year withdrawal of 4 percent, followed by inflation-adjusted withdrawals in subsequent years, should be safe."
"If you’re holding 60% stocks and 40% bonds, it’s possible that you could see decreases in both asset classes."
Episode references:
GMO Forecast via Wealth of Common Sense: https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2021/10/the-worst-stock-and-bond-returns-ever/
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Episode 3372:
Christina Browning shares ten crucial steps to ensure a successful early retirement abroad, drawing from her personal experience relocating to Portugal. From navigating foreign healthcare systems to stress-testing your lifestyle across seasons, these actionable tips help you avoid common pitfalls and set the stage for a seamless transition to life overseas.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ourrichjourney.com/post/want-to-retire-early-abroad-do-these-10-things-first
Quotes to ponder:
"Using the medical and dental system in your chosen country is an absolute must before moving!"
"Meeting with other ex-pats in the country of your choice will teach you something immensely valuable, not necessarily how much they love the country, but more so the struggles that they’ve faced while living there."
"Hobbies are a significant part of life for a lot of people, so it’s important to think about this before you make the move."
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Episode 3371:
Julien Saunders shares a heartfelt exploration of how giving, whether through financial support, gifts, or time, aligns with their values and fuels their pursuit of financial independence. By embracing a flexible, impact-driven approach to generosity, the Saunders family demonstrates how giving can become both a personal responsibility and a tool for meaningful change.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://richandregular.com/when-why-and-how-we-give/
Quotes to ponder:
"Giving isn’t a competition and it’s ok to simply give what you want, when you want to."
"Sales are signs of life and hope for them."
"We view our investment strategy as an act of radical self-responsibility."
Episode references:
NPR (National Public Radio): https://www.npr.org/
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): https://www.pbs.org/
The Power of Giving: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Giving-Creating-Abundance-Yourself/dp/1585427519
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Episode 3370:
Kat Medina reflects on how solo travel helped her redefine loneliness as a gateway to joyful solitude and personal growth. Through honest storytelling and a five-day self-connection challenge, she encourages us to disconnect from distractions and rediscover the richness of our own company.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.katmedina.com/article?id=solitude
Quotes to ponder:
"There are some moments that are more impactful when experienced by oneself, reminding me that there is a clear difference between alone and lonely."
"If you prioritize some time for yourself to just ‘be’, you can transform isolation into solitude."
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Episode 3369:
Christine Luken offers a clear-eyed guide to understanding how different types of debt, mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and medical bills, are handled after death, and who (if anyone) becomes responsible. With practical advice and real-life examples, she shows how proper planning can prevent financial headaches for grieving loved ones.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.christineluken.com/what-happens-to-my-debt-when-i-die/
Quotes to ponder:
"Family members of a deceased person are typically not obligated to use their own money to pay for credit card debt after death."
"If you have a federal student loan, then the federal government will discharge any remaining debt upon your death."
"Here’s the bottom line: excessive debt is bad news all the way around."
Episode references:
The Motley Fool: https://www.fool.com/
Credit Karma: https://www.creditkarma.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/
Diania Merriam’s podcast simplifies financial topics like saving, investing, and early retirement. Wikipedia notes that financial literacy helps people make smarter money choices. Tools like the EMI-Calculator further support smart budgeting and financial planning. https://emi-calculator.cc/personal-loan-emi-calculator/
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