Frugal Friends Podcast - podcast cover

Frugal Friends Podcast

iHeartPodcasts and Jen Smith & Jill Sirianniwww.frugalfriendspodcast.com
Controlling your spending is hard to do. On every episode of Frugal Friends, we'll try to help you gain a little more control on one aspect of the countless directions your money is being pulled toward through frugality and a few laughs. If you're trying to save money, spend less, adopt minimalism, pay off debt or reach financial independence, we think you'll like the show.

Episodes

DFS: How Catherine Paid Off $27,000 in Student Loan in 5 Months

Life after school is daunting, perhaps due to the desire to prove to oneself that we can be adults with a bright and stable life, but life isn’t a movie and adulthood is far from a steady life pace. In this episode, Jen and Jill listen to Catherine’s story of paying off her $27,000 student loan in just 5 months after graduating. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3VuxKsa 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with f...

Jun 14, 202449 minEp. 415

Staycations Revisited

Why travel far when you can enjoy the gorgeous places nearby? It’s convenient and budget-friendly! Grab a pen and paper, because in this episode, Jen and Jill revisit staycation ideas for your summer, sparking creativity in frugality. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/453GmJw 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 📣 Submit y...

Jun 11, 202451 minEp. 414

DFS: How Megan Paid Off $20K of Debt in 6 Months

We don’t often give much credit to our teachers that they get paid less than what they deserve. Many of them are struggling to pay off ballooning debts and are forced to live paycheck to paycheck. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Megan to share her debt free journey including creative strategies to save money and mindset shifts as a teacher. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3Kl9naj 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x ...

Jun 07, 202447 minEp. 413

Reducing Food Waste with Kids

What will you do when you have planned and prepared the best meal you could possibly make, but then your kids say no and leave the plate untouched? Now, throwing it away is the easiest answer, but food waste is a big money waste too. In this episode, Jen and Jill answer how we can reduce our food waste with kids in easy and manageable ways. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4bAdlI6 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsl...

Jun 04, 202447 minEp. 412

What to Budget for This Summer

What time is it? Summertime! It’s your vacation…but maybe not your finances! Summer is the second season, next to winter, wherein everyone is expected to spend more. Let’s find out in this episode as Jen and Jill share what to look out for and prepare for this summer in order to stay on budget and enjoy this season’s freedom! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3QXA9ZI 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with free...

May 31, 202446 minEp. 411

How Much Cash Should You Have Saved? with Brian Preston of The Money Guy

We love convenience, who doesn’t? We love anything that will make our lives faster and easier; hence, we love cashless transactions but we have forgotten how significant it is to have cash. In this episode, Jen and Jill join Brian Preston of The Money Guy to discuss the importance of having saved cash, whether as emergency funds or for opportunities. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3QQAPjO 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x we...

May 28, 202457 minEp. 410

How to Simplify Your Life to Save More Money

Ever feel like your possessions have possessed your life? If it's badly affecting your finances, it might be time to say 'enough.' In this episode, Jen and Jill define what and when is enough for our finances through simplification, which will greatly encourage our mindset and overall finances. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4dGF3En 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. ...

May 24, 202449 minEp. 409

What Happens When You Stop Impulse Shopping

We always see the “how-tos” or ways not to impulse shop, but what really happens after? How effective and beneficial is it in attaining our financial goals? In this episode, Jen and Jill read stories of real people who have overcome impulse shopping to discover and learn about its impact on our financial goals and, ultimately, our lives. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3wxybbG 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newslett...

May 21, 202450 minEp. 408

Identify Healthcare Overbilling with Scott Speranza

We came to a point where acquiring diseases and viruses no longer makes us super anxious, but rather from receiving a lengthy hospital bill and medical expenses! In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Scott Speranza, CEO of HealthLock, discover a long list of medical billing errors and share ways to identify and dispute healthcare overbilling. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4bzpRH5 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x wee...

May 17, 202457 minEp. 407

The Psychology of Sales & Discounts

Will it surprise you when you find out that the 10% off deal you got when you purchased your new containers is the actual price? In this episode, Jen and Jill give FREE hot takes on marketing ploys such as how discounts and price sales are made to trick you into buying, costing you more! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4bk7lT9 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. https:/...

May 14, 202449 minEp. 406

How Jen Paid Off $78,000 in 2 Years

When paying off debt, it feels like a forever process of trying to decrease its amount, but when you look back, time just flew by like a wind! Jen shares her story of paying off her debt of $78,000 in just 2 years. Together with Jill, they celebrate and talk about the mindset shifts Jen needed to work on to pay off debt. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3wlhX5u 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies,...

May 10, 202452 minEp. 405

Asking Questions That Lead to Better Spending Decisions with Jeff Wetzler

We were conditioned to prioritize independence and self-sufficiency, sometimes at the expense of nurturing meaningful relationships. In this episode, Jen and Jill encourage us to refine our ways of asking the people in our lives, which results in better spending decisions. Joined by Jeff Wetzler, they explore the “ask approach” and its significance in self-awareness and connecting with others. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3wcGTfn 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 m...

May 07, 202451 minEp. 404

How to Make The Most of Yard Sales

May is here, and so are yard sales! We have finally entered the season of yard sales, and some may have already been hunting and lining up for these sales. Don’t worry, Jen and Jill share tips on making the most of your yard sale stop and their experiences buying from one. Know which items to add to your list on your next yard sale visit! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4cVjjnO 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newslet...

May 03, 202447 minEp. 403

Grocery Store vs. Warehouse Club Savings Analysis

Ever walk out of a warehouse club and realize you bought way too many things that weren't on your list? It’s time we turn you into a pro-bulk shopper, not an impulsive one! In this episode, Jen and Jill explore the myths about warehouse clubs and discuss pro tips on bulk buying. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3xvEWuR 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. https://www.frug...

Apr 30, 202450 minEp. 402

How to Keep Your Garden Alive with Nicole Johnsey Burke

Does creating a garden sound magical and fairytale-like to you? But you always end up killing your plants, demotivating you to build one? Well, we all had the same experience as you do. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk all things gardening for beginners and to those who are hesitant to start with Nicole Johnsey Burke. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3WfyToA 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, ...

Apr 26, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 401

6th Anniversary Special!!!

Celebrating 6 years and 400 episodes with the husbands back on the show! If you're hoping to get any financial advice in this episode, you will get a little. But this episode delivers all the things you asked for: the husbands, one-star reviews, and Q&As. We've laughed, we've learned, we've had great conversations, and now it's time to celebrate all those moments. We'd love for YOU to join the party. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4bjd1gn 💌 Want to save money and spend better ...

Apr 23, 202458 minEp. 400

How to Spend When Your Values & Income Don't Align

Bills, bills, bills! Who loves paying bills when it holds us back on spending on the things we love and value? Well, it doesn’t always have to be that way! In this episode, Jen and Jill make space on being able to spend guilt free and prioritizing it on our values. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3W2W6dz 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. https://www.frugalfriendspodca...

Apr 19, 202450 minEp. 399

Frugal Zero-Waste Living

We often forget that good stewardship of our resources is a foundational part of a frugal lifestyle. While it is simply unrealistic to have total zero waste in our everyday lives, frugal zero waste living teaches us beyond wasting less and also fostering intentional consumption and choices. In this re-run episode, Jen and Jill talk about the 5Rs of waste management and zero-waste living, aiding our self-sufficiency and problem-solving skills. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3J7SgrO ...

Apr 16, 202458 minEp. 398

How Cognitive Biases Cause us to Overspend with Amanda Montell

“I deserve to buy this!” But are you really deserving of it? If you’re someone who thinks adding more items to your cart at checkout is going to solve all of your problems, then you deserve to hear this episode. Jen and Jill, together with Amanda Montell, author of acclaimed books such as Wordslut and Cultish, and a podcast host, talk about cognitive biases and their influence on not just our finances but on our everyday lives! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3U51Bab 💌 Want to save...

Apr 12, 20241 hrEp. 397

Minimalist Pantry Formula

Got nowhere to place your piling-up girl scout cookies? You’re in for the ride! In this episode, Jen and Jill walk through creative ways to make a minimalist pantry. Figure out your next kitchen or pantry setup, the items you might use, and those that need to go! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3vFh339 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. https://www.frugalfriendspodcast...

Apr 09, 202451 minEp. 396

Creative Ways to Reduce Food Waste with Carleigh Bodrug of PlantYou

While there are some who find it hard to let go, there are also those who easily discard things. In this episode, Jen and Jill learn from Carleigh Bodrug of PlantYou deliciously simple yet creative ways to repurpose food in hopes of reducing our food waste and being intentional about meal planning. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3TGaOnV 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hac...

Apr 05, 202454 minEp. 395

Frugal Side Hustle: Summer Side Hustles for Teachers

You are not just a teacher, but an all-rounder, a jack of all trades. Teachers’ honorable work in the classroom should never be undermined and should be greatly compensated. In this episode, Jen and Jill highlight the discrepancies in income and expenses for teachers that unfortunately push them to find additional work and the popular side hustles teachers can take on during the summer. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4aicgDM 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes?...

Apr 02, 202450 minEp. 394

How Much to Have Saved For Retirement at 30, 40, & 50

“I’m 35 and I feel far behind in life." You’re wrong. You’re at the best time to start! In this episode, Jen and Jill discuss the amount (theoretically) you should have saved for retirement at certain ages without disregarding what you truly care about and want to do in life. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4cvLNEH 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. https://www.frugalf...

Mar 29, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 393

Living a Low Tox Life Frugally with Alexx Stuart

If you just bought your new spring mattress and discovered the harmful chemicals of having one, this is us telling you that you do not immediately need to buy and swap your new mattress for a no toxin. In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Alexx, discuss the benefits of reducing toxins in your everyday life and how it intersects with living a frugal life. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3vgVtSF 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Ou...

Mar 26, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 392

Best Seasonal Grocery Sales

Have you ever missed out on a huge discount sale at your favorite grocery store? This time, we’re not letting you miss out on any sales! No more FOMOs this year, as in this episode, Jen and Jill explore the seasonal sale cycles of groceries and the best times to buy and stock up your pantry! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3IznkQN 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks. htt...

Mar 22, 202454 minEp. 391

Managing Money With ADHD/Neurodivergence

While there’s beauty in your uniqueness, navigating a world yet to be designed for you can be quite challenging. In this episode, Jen and Jill discuss the struggles of a neurodivergent when it comes to personal finance and some helpful tips to manage your money. Flaunt your edge and claim the power you have over the system! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/435DXgu 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebi...

Mar 19, 202454 minEp. 390

Creativity Over Consumerism with Miranda Anderson

In a time where indulgence in impulsive buying and consumerism is being equated with self-care, practicing frugality is harder than one may think. Frugality fosters a mindset and lifestyle of creativity, advocating for intentional spending. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about how frugality encourages one to unleash their creativity in budgeting and saving with Miranda Anderson. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4a1gHmh 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get...

Mar 15, 202456 minEp. 389

How to Make the Most of a Farmer's Market

Is the produce from your local Farmer's Market more expensive than buying from a grocery store? Let’s learn more about farmer's markets and how to shop in them! In this episode, Jen and Jill discover the small yet significant differences between buying from a farmers market and a grocery store and ways to successfully shop from farmers. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/49AuKiy 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newslette...

Mar 12, 202452 minEp. 388

ETFs & Index Funds & Bears, OH MY!

Shifting to digital is not new but also not that old, as most people are still discovering new things online. If you have heard of the terms ETFs, index funds, and bear markets and are having a hard time differentiating and understanding each of them, then you’re in for a treat. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about investing for retirement, specifically using ETFs and index funds, and how it’s related to the “bear market.” 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3wARWig 💌 Want to save ...

Mar 08, 202446 minEp. 387

Best Vacation Destination Dupes (AKA: More Affordable!) with Jen on a Jet Plane

There's nothing you can't do now that you're in New York! 🎶 Just like the song, the streets of New York will make you feel brand new without breaking the bank. Tag along as Jen and Jill, together with Jen on a Jet Plane, list down travel tips and vacation destination dupes you can visit within the US and overseas that are affordable and enjoyable! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/49OJIBd 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x week...

Mar 05, 202459 minEp. 386