PodcastsBusinessOptimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriam
Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
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3446 episodes

  • Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

    3444: [Part 2] Social Security: How Secure and When to Take It by JL Collins on Retirement Strategy

    02/2/2026 | 11 mins.
    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 3444:

    J.L. Collins breaks down the practical and emotional decision-making behind when to start collecting Social Security, offering a no-nonsense framework based on personal need, life expectancy, and long-term planning. He challenges fear-driven decisions with data-backed reasoning, urging younger generations to assume less generous benefits while still focusing on financial independence through smart investing and low-cost living.

    Read along with the original article(s) here: http://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/01/29/social-security-how-secure-and-when-to-take-it/

    Quotes to ponder:

    "When do I need the money? If you genuinely need the money right now, nothing else matters."

    "I’m realistic enough to know most people are goofs with their money. Without Social Security many would be back to living on cat food."

    "Plan your financial future assuming Social Security will NOT be there for you."
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  • Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

    3443: [Part 1] Social Security: How Secure and When to Take It by JL Collins on Retirement Strategy

    01/2/2026 | 10 mins.
    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 3443:

    J.L. Collins reflects on his long-standing skepticism of Social Security, only to find it surprisingly robust as he nears eligibility. By walking through the history, mechanics, and current realities of the system, including its $2.7 trillion Trust Fund, Collins dispels common fears and explains why the benefits are still far more solid than many assume.

    Read along with the original article(s) here: http://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/01/29/social-security-how-secure-and-when-to-take-it/

    Quotes to ponder:

    "It is important to understand that any time you invest money, that money gets spent."

    "Cash is a really lousy way to hold money long-term. Little by little it gets destroyed by inflation."

    "All my financial planning has been based on the idea that if it wasn’t, no problem. If it was, that would be a pleasant surprise."

    Episode references:

    AARP: https://www.aarp.org

    Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov
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  • Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

    3442: How to Build a Circle of Support For Your Life by Ellen Burgan of If It Brings You Joy on Meaningful Connection

    01/2/2026 | 10 mins.
    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 3442:

    Ellen Burgan explores the importance of building a strong, intentional circle of support by helping you identify who encourages your growth, and who might unknowingly feed your fear. Through self-awareness and small, practical steps, she empowers you to cultivate meaningful connections that fuel confidence, resilience, and joy in every life chapter.

    Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ifitbringsyoujoy.com/circle-of-support/

    Quotes to ponder:

    "People need people for support. However, no one person can be your support buddy 100% of the time."

    "There’s great joy not only in having a large circle of support, but also in being on someone else’s circle of support."

    "We’re all human, so don’t worry if you are sometimes that person who fans flames of someone’s fear."
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  • Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

    3441: 3 Numbers That Matter More Than Your Credit Score by Kelley Long of Financial Finesse on Smart Finances

    31/1/2026 | 8 mins.
    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 3441:

    Kelley Long urges us to shift our focus from credit scores to three more impactful financial metrics: net worth, retirement readiness, and emergency savings. By consistently tracking these numbers, we gain a more accurate picture of our financial health, and make choices that build real, lasting freedom.

    Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2016/06/22/3-numbers-that-matter-more-than-your-credit-score/

    Quotes to ponder:

    "Your credit score only really matters when you’re applying for a loan, certain types of insurance and increasingly, when applying for a job."

    "Your net worth is the ultimate measure of your ability to weather financial storms and maintain financial choices in life."

    "Should something happen, consider the probability that it could be due to an economic downturn when credit may not be as easily accessible and/or the stock market could be down."
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  • Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

    3440: The Best Approach to Long-Term Savings: Building Your Nest Egg by Philip Taylor of PT Money on Smart Saving Habits

    30/1/2026 | 8 mins.
    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 3440:

    Philip Taylor explores smart strategies for building long-term savings beyond retirement, emphasizing the importance of balancing liquidity, risk, and returns. Whether you're dreaming of early retirement, funding a future business, or leaving a generous gift to loved ones, he offers clear guidance on where to park your money for optimal long-term growth without locking it away like retirement funds.

    Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ptmoney.com/best-long-term-savings-building-nest-egg/

    Quotes to ponder:

    "I think it’s wise to have specific savings goals for all your money."

    "Saving just for the sake of saving is a sign you might need to stop down and think about what you want for your future." "Don’t throw asset allocation and diversity out the window just because of low returns in the cash and savings arena."

    Episode references:

    Vanguard: https://www.vanguard.com

    Betterment: https://www.betterment.com
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About Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice

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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