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

How to Buy What You Love Without Going Broke in 2025

New year, new beginnings, but one thing stays the same: our commitment to helping you with your money wins. As we enter 2025, it’s time to focus on what you truly love spending on and align your finances with your values. In this episode, Jen and Jill walk us through the three parts of their book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, sharing simple, practical ways to spend with intention in the year ahead. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3VHek2X   📘 Pre-order the book h...

Dec 31, 202453 minEp. 472

Budget Better Bonus Series | Step 3: Plan for the Future

Excited to bring you the last installment of our Budget Better Bonus Series! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve already looked at the past and present of budgeting. And now it’s time to look ahead. Today, we focus on building a spending plan that aligns with your core values, because we believe that budgeting shouldn’t feel restrictive.  📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get Th...

Dec 30, 202423 min

Budget Better Bonus Series | Step 2: Make Changes Now

We’re back with part 2 of our Budget Better Bonus Series! After exploring your past transactions in the previous episode, it’s time to take action and make meaningful changes to your spending habits with a 30-day No Spend Challenge. Join us as we discuss giving yourself the space to rethink your spending habits and get creative with how you meet your needs by saying 'no' to non-essential purchases. 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend...

Dec 29, 202423 min

Budget Better Bonus Series | Step 1: Look To The Past

As we wrap up the year and look ahead to 2025, we wanted to gift you something special: a three-part bonus series called Budget Better. The first step is looking to the past which is not merely an exercise in self-criticism or guilt. Rather, it serves as a foundation for understanding our financial decisions and making intentional changes moving forward. 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE...

Dec 28, 202420 min

Budgeting Tips for 2025

As the year draws to a close, a new year brings fresh hope and exciting goals. One of the big ones is planning your 2025 spending. No matter your season in life, preparing ahead is always a smart move. In this episode, Jen and Jill share essential tips on how to budget for the year ahead. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4gK5YA2   📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x wee...

Dec 27, 202447 minEp. 471

Negotiating Medical Bills with Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington

You didn’t see those surprise medical charges coming, but somehow they always seem to show up when you least expect them—and let’s be real, they’re the last thing you need. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, author of What Your Doctor Wants You to Know, to show you how to handle those surprise charges, negotiate bills, and get medical debt off your credit report. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4flsoWS   📘 Pre-order...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 470

BONUS: Frugal Ain't Cheap | Jen & Jill x How To Money Podcast

Today’s episode offers a peek into what your favorite personal finance podcast might be like, if only it was hosted by two ladies! Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni are hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast which is all about embracing a more intentional and frugal lifestyle… but not THAT kind of frugal. They challenge the idea that frugality is about deprivation and instead highlight how it can empower you to achieve financial independence while living a life filled with joy and purpose. J...

Dec 22, 20241 hr

Get Your Partner on Board With Debt Payoff Goals

Talking about money with your partner can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a conversation worth having. It’s not always a walk in the park, but we can definitely ease some of the discomfort. In this episode, Jen and Jill share ways to get on the same page with your partner, along with their own experiences. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3ZCVlYv   📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Fr...

Dec 20, 202450 minEp. 469

How to Get Free Books

Why pay for books when you can read and learn for free? A good read is one that leaves you feeling fulfilled, not guilty. In this episode, Jen and Jill share all the best ways to get books for free, so you can satisfy your bookworm cravings and learn something new—all without spending. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4fk09YX   📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x ...

Dec 17, 202446 minEp. 468

How to Find a Financial Mentor with Anthony O'Neal

Sit back, relax, and see how the tables have turned—not metaphorically, but literally. Is your table composed of the right people and the right community? Is it filled with inspiring feasts or just artificial crumbs? In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Anthony O'Neal as they explore how identifying the right mentors and embracing vulnerability can help create a powerful circle of influence. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4iwMnVB 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit....

Dec 13, 202447 minEp. 467

Five Reasons You Impulse Shop (& How to Resist!)

No judgments here—we’re all guilty of impulse spending from time to time anyways. But it becomes a problem when we don’t notice how it’s slowly draining our wallets. In this episode, Jen and Jill explore five reasons behind impulse spending and offer better alternatives that won’t cost us. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4f0IMMp 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly ne...

Dec 10, 202450 minEp. 466

What to Budget For This Winter

We’re now entering the coldest season of the year—and dare we say, the costliest too. This may not be news, but here’s your PSA: Bills are coming up. You’ve got time to prepare, and that time is now. In this episode, Jen and Jill dive into the surprising link between cold weather and higher spending habits, backed by a fascinating study, plus ways to prepare for the coldest, costliest season of the year. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4eOWVwc 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit....

Dec 06, 202451 minEp. 465

Money Lies Women Believe with Kara Loewentheil

Ladies, it’s time for a financial mindset makeover! Whatever you’ve heard about money not being for you? Not true. And you can trust us on that—so go ahead and get that bag! In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Kara Loewentheil of The New School of Feminist Thought to empower women everywhere to break free from limiting beliefs and societal expectations and reclaim our financial power! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3VgdhXM 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podc...

Dec 03, 20241 hrEp. 464

Holiday Anti Haul: 10 Things We're Not Buying This Season

Bells are ringing, and the holiday spirit is here! But let’s take a moment to pause and take a quick check in because we might be giving more than we realize—putting our future more vulnerable for the next seasons to come. In this episode, Jen and Jill list the things to watch out for on your to-buy list, as they might cost you more guilt than holiday cheer. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/491MgNe 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend...

Nov 29, 202450 minEp. 463

Willpower & Self Control in Spending

Every day, we make countless decisions that drain our willpower—leaving us too burnt out to make the best money choices. But there’s always a radical middle in everything. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down how psychology, money habits, and willpower connect—and how understanding yourself can help you save smarter. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4fG9RWg 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Fri...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 462

How to Get to The Root of Clutter & Solve it For Good with Katy Wells

It starts with "I'll do it later." The next thing you know, you have a mountain of clutter at home. The thought of decluttering feels overwhelming—and let's be honest, we are the first ones to judge ourselves for it, to the point where we just don't do it all. But it's never too late to take control. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Katy Wells of The Maximized Minimalist to uncover why it's difficult to purge certain things and never look back again. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! http...

Nov 22, 202459 minEp. 461

The Money Management Holy Trinity

Personal finance tips are everywhere, and let’s be honest—it can feel overwhelming. How are you supposed to keep up, let alone know what actually works for you? But what if money management didn’t have to be so complicated? What if it could actually be simple? In this episode, Jen and Jill reveal what they call 'The Money Management Holy Trinity.' With these three, you’ll see just how manageable your money can be! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/490gDDR 📘 Pre-order the book here ht...

Nov 19, 202449 minEp. 460

5 Ways Your Childhood Impacts How You Spend Money

Ever wonder why you can't break certain money habits, like impulse buying, constantly overspending, or even depriving yourself too much, even when you know it’s not gonna be great for your finances? Maybe it's time to ask your inner child. In this episode, Jen and Jill take a trip down memory lane and explore how our childhood experiences may still be influencing the way we manage (or mismanage) money today. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4hIIigD 📘 Pre-order the book here https://...

Nov 15, 202448 minEp. 459

The Key to Simple & Budget Friendly Meal Plans with Mandy Klentz

It doesn't matter if you're living alone or with your family, the most challenging question of the day is always what to eat for the next meal. If cooking isn't your strong suit and you find yourself stressing about what to eat for the rest of the day, then this is for you. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Mandy Klentz of PlandyMandy to share her tips on effectively planning your meals sustainably so you wouldn't have to ask again what to cook for your next meal. 🎙️ Get full show not...

Nov 12, 202454 minEp. 458

10 Things You Didn’t Know Started As Marketing Campaigns

We’ve all had that moment when an advertisement passes by, and our mind goes, “I definitely need that,” thanks to how effective and well-thought-out their marketing is. But they will always be what they are meant to be—strategies designed to influence us to spend. It’s not evil, but it’s definitely costing us something. In this episode, Jen and Jill reveal the fascinating world of marketing and how a simple product can transform into a necessity or more so, a luxury. 🎙️ Get full show notes here...

Nov 08, 202457 minEp. 457

How to Have a Frugal Holiday Season

A present for you—from our hearts: a frugal holiday season! There’s no better way to celebrate than by enjoying the season without guilt. Plus, it’s much more meaningful to give something heartfelt rather than something you regret because it was pricey. In this episode, Jen and Jill will unwrap meaningful ways to celebrate frugally and offer mindset shifts to help you embrace the holiday season! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3UbC6nd 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-p...

Nov 05, 202451 minEp. 456

How to Make Your Kid a Millionaire with Andy Hill

If we receive a set of puzzle pieces, we can’t complete the picture without knowing how they fit together. The same goes for teaching our kids about money. Even if we pass down every cent we have, they won’t know what to do with it unless we teach them the values and proper ways to handle it—just like everything else in life. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Andy Hill of Marriage Kids and Money to share essential life skills and practical tips for setting up your kids for financial su...

Nov 01, 202452 minEp. 455

How to Say 'No' to Impulse Purchases

You know the drill, and you’re definitely not new to this game. We might not be able to completely stop the forces but the more we understand why we tend to impulse purchase or what drives our choices, the better equipped we’ll be to interrupt those patterns—and the more confident we’ll feel in our spending. In this episode, Jen and Jill give us a sneak peak of this part of ‘Buy What You Love Without Going Broke’! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3Y5cDNc 📘 Pre-order the book here ht...

Oct 29, 202448 minEp. 454

What Diet Culture is Costing You

Gentle reminder once again: health is more than just weight. The pressures of society have led us to believe otherwise, but it’s important to put faith and trust in your body and the amazing things it does for you. With so much societal pressure, social media influencers, and the latest diet trends—it’s easy to lose sight of our own health and well-being—and our wallets! In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about finding that sweet spot between health and happiness, and why rejecting the extremes ...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 453

What If You’re Not Lazy, What If You’re a Perfectionist? with Monica Packer

We’ve all been there—caught in a cycle of self-doubt and fear of failure, wondering if we’ll ever get to even start. But it doesn’t have to be that way! When it comes to perfectionism, many of us picture the typical overachiever striving for unrealistic standards. But what if we told you there’s a different side to this story? In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Monica Parker of About Progress to give us excellent and relatable insights about perfectionism. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! ...

Oct 22, 202451 minEp. 452

Frugal Entertaining & Hosting

Some of us embrace a horror-themed festivity, some of us love twinkly lights, but no matter your style, there’s a holiday just around the corner for everyone. And what’s a celebration without heartfelt connections, right? In this episode, Jen and Jill sparks the good that comes with hosting and share their tips for throwing an amazing party on a budget. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3TVrVCW 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend bett...

Oct 18, 202447 minEp. 451

Declutter Your Kitchen in 30 Days

Spoiler alert: high food income holidays are just around the corner, and your kitchen is crying for help! So this is probably the best time to prepare your kitchen for the holiday hustle! Over the next 30 days or less, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by decluttering your space. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down the ultimate guide on how to declutter our kitchens. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3Buthhz 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save mo...

Oct 15, 202450 minEp. 450

How Women Can Negotiate Better with Kathryn Valentine

Whether you're asking for a raise or just trying to make your voice heard, negotiation doesn’t have to feel scary, and you definitely don’t have to be an expert at all times to get what you deserve! In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Kathryn Valentine of Worthmore Strategies to empower us how we can turn the tables and negotiate better not just at work but also in life. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/4gw3UvU 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to...

Oct 11, 202458 minEp. 449

Influencers Are Lying to You About Their Lifestyle

News flash! Influencers are not telling you the whole truth on social media. It’s not malicious, but it isn’t all perfect either. Whether you’re someone who is just here for the title, or you’re someone who easily gets influenced, you’ll get what you came for. In this episode, Jen and Jill discuss why influencers are doing this, how to identify it, and what action steps to take about it. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3XUQMt5 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast �...

Oct 08, 202449 minEp. 448

How to Have a Frugal Spooky Season

There’s nothing scarier than spending money on something you'll use only once, give away, or that will gather dust and cobwebs in your garage for a year! In this episode, Jen and Jill are witching you a budget-friendly Halloween with backed-up statistics on spending patterns and predictions with tips to save money this spooky season. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/3ZhBzU4 📘 Pre-order the book here https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes...

Oct 04, 202455 minEp. 447