Frugal Friends Podcast

Auto loans aren’t automatically bad. But they’re not automatically good either. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk through when taking on car loan debt makes sense and when it’s a financial trap in disguise. They share their own experiences with auto loans, why a long loan term could cost you big time, and the rising interest rates that might surprise you (even with good credit).

Frugality is not a dirty F-word that so many people associate it with. In this episode, we are chatting about the heart of what frugality means to us (our “frugal manifesto” if you will!). We're flipping the script on frugality and ditching the idea that it’s all about restriction. Instead, we’re talking about how being intentional with our money, time, energy, and space can actually lead to a fuller, more satisfying life.

Do you know what’s the secret to a flavorful meal or the perfect snack and drink? Getting it for a price that feels like a total steal! We’re talking free, low-cost, and guilt-free restaurant and takeout deals. In this episode, Jen and Jill share their favorite apps and tips for scoring awesome food that other people made at even better prices!

Been dreaming of a kitchen upgrade but haven’t had the sign yet? Consider this as one. In this episode, Jen and Jill sat down with DeLancey to dish out all the DIY-friendly tips you need to start planning without overspending, second-guessing, or hiring a pricey contractor!

Let’s not diminish the greatest hits! We know that when boredom hits, it’s easy to spend just to feel something, but free, low-cost, and guilt-free fun can keep that from happening. In this episode Jen and Jill are packed with all the ways you can live life to the fullest without having to spend a lot!

What’s not to love about shopping, right? Waiting for that package to hit your doorstep feels like a mini holiday! But shopping doesn’t have to mean overspending. In this episode, Jen and Jill spill their favorite apps, hacks, and sneaky-smart tricks to help you save money while you shop online.

We all have that endless bucket list of places to see, experiences to have, and memories to make. But how do you make those travel dreams happen when you're limited by time and resources? In this episode, Jen, Jill, and Amber Paul are here to guide you through the steps to turn those vacation dreams into reality without letting your credit take a hit.

Nothing like a summer heat wave will remind us how expensive it is to stay cool…literally. But guess what? You don’t need to feel guilty about it at all. In this episode, Jen and Jill are breaking down free, frugal ways to cool your home and your energy costs without feeling guilty!

Sustainability doesn’t have to be perfect or cost a thing! When you match mindful choices with what actually works for you, you’re already making a change. In this listener-favorite episode, Jen and Jill are back just in time for Earth Day with frugal, doable ways to love the planet without spending a dime.

Time flies so fast, we’ve already reached our 500th episode! And because change is the only constant thing in the world, Frugal Friends is embracing change for the BEST. So, in this episode, Jen and Jill officially welcome a new era of Frugal Friends with more exciting contents and things to look forward to. Are you ready for it?

Every year, there’s new ways to save money on grocery shopping and this year is no exception! In this episode, Jen and Jill kick off a new era of Frugal Friends, with fresh strategies to get food for free, at a low cost, on a deal, or guilt-free all while keeping your table full and your budget happy.

This is not a joke. We are challenging you to transform the way you budget for the next 30 days! We love doing challenges to gamify our finances instead of the boring way of NOT doing it. It’s what we do to help you spend better and understand your spending more. So, in this episode, Jen and Jill look at how you approach spending and help you get better at it.

With women, anything is possible and that includes making investing work for you! It can be a little intimidating but with the right people with us, it’s actually easier than you think. In this episode, Jen and Jill together with Nicole Stanley of Arise Financial Coaching empowers us by sharing her inspiring journey and breaks down how you can make investing work for you with steps you can actually follow.

If a No-Buy Year or No-Spend Challenge didn’t go as planned, that’s okay! You’re not alone in this and it doesn’t mean you failed, it just might not be the right approach for you. But this? Might be. In this episode, Jen and Jill dive into the concept of Low-Buy Year and tips on how you can build a habit that actually changes your spending game.

Some things just won’t quit—like credit card debt. It lingers, piles up, and keeps charging you for sticking around. According to our survey, one common goal for many in our community is paying off debt. And we know that this is one of the most dangerous kinds. So in this episode, Jen and Jill break down how credit cards really work and what you can do to take back control of your money.

Imagine a commute with zero traffic. Think of all the things you could get done instead of wasting hours stuck behind the wheel. It’s becoming less sustainable, less efficient, and honestly, less fun. That’s why in this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Kevin Ha to spill the magic and wonders of e-bikes and how they can transform any journey in any weather.

In life, we often say less is more and that "more" is the abundance that comes from making space for what truly matters. And when simplicity comes your way, expect that money will follow. In this episode, Jen and Jill bring the science behind simplicity, how it shapes our money habits, and ways to embrace it in everyday life.

We’re all about that frugal life, but what happens when you take it a step further and embrace minimalism? In this episode, Jen and Jill dive into how a minimalist mindset can help you reclaim your power, boost your confidence in spending decisions, and make room for what truly matters.

If you ever feel like you’re being lured into spending, you’re probably right. Marketers have mastered the art of playing on your emotions just like cults do. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Dr. Mara Einstein of Buy Now! The shopping Conspiracy to break down how brands tap into your pain points, build a sense of community, and keep you stuck in a cycle of doom scrolling and spending.

If you love everything in its proper place but budgeting has never quite clicked, this one might be the missing piece. Spoiler alert: budgeting methods are all pretty similar—it just depends on how you approach them and how you move with your money. In this episode, Jen and Jill venture an easy guide for you to save smarter and reach your financial goals much faster.

Who here loves spending money? We’re just the same! Most of us were never really taught how to spend wisely, so our mission has always been to find that radical middle between saving and spending. In this episode, Jen and Jill joins the crowd as they share stories about spending on higher needs and guiding us toward better ways to meet them.

We listen, we don’t judge! We know money can be a sensitive and vulnerable topic, and it’s easy to feel ashamed of past financial decisions. But we’re not here to judge, we're here to help you rebuild your confidence with money. In this episode, Jen and Jill, along with Shannah Game, explore how to recognize, understand, and begin your healing journey from money trauma.

You swore you’d only spend this much but for some reason ended up spending THAT much? Some sneaky habits might be leading you there without you even realizing it. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down what’s triggering these spending traps, how to break free from them, and some key reminders for when things don’t go as planned.

Who better to talk about the benefits of frugal living than your Frugal Friends? If you are interested in frugal living and are interested to know if you are one, this episode is for you. In this episode, Jen and Jill share why they love this lifestyle—and why you just might love it too!

Fewer expenses? Maybe. Fewer money decisions? Not a chance. Living child-free comes with its own set of financial choices, and we’re here to help you make them wisely. In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Jay, explore the child-free life—what it's like and how to budget better so you can live your life to the fullest!

If you’ve ever felt stuck or regretful about past financial decisions like not saving enough for emergencies or overspending on experiences, this episode is for you. Jen and Jill explore the emotions tied to those "what if" moments, from choices we wish we could change to opportunities we missed. Don’t miss this empowering discussion!

We all have that one local shop we can't stop bragging about, because only we have it in our community and they make life so much easier. And let’s be real, we want them to stick around forever. In this episode, Jen and Jill share why it’s so important to keep supporting these businesses so they can stay for the long haul.

Do you notice a difference in your spending habits when you're calm and collected versus when you're stressed and overwhelmed? Science is about to blow your mind in this episode! Jen and Jill, along with Michelle from The Calm Mom Podcast, let you in on the science behind our nervous system affecting our spending so you can hit two birds with one stone: a relaxed mind and a money win!

Ready for a No-Spend Month Challenge? This one’s not like the others—it's going to be great and leave you feeling good about working toward your financial goals. In this episode, Jen and Jill cover everything you need to do before, during, and after an NSC, plus the what-ifs that might be holding you back.

Ever believed that having more would make you happier? Even with money, it's not entirely true! This is why no matter how financially savvy we are, we’ve all fallen for at least one false money myth. In this episode, Jen and Jill unravel the most common money myths and reveal the truth behind what really makes us happy and financially healthy.

Have you ever been told, "She ate and left no crumbs"? It usually means someone did an amazing job at something—like meal planning! You use what you have and leave no waste. In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Jess Dang of Cook Smarts, help us get more creative with meal planning and explore its benefits for both our wallets and reducing food waste.

Some days we’re winning, but there are also days when we're just making do with what we’ve got to get by. And that’s okay. We see you, and we’re here to help you through those moments when it feels like you’re running on empty. In this episode, Jen and Jill share stories of living on a low income and escaping debt on a tight budget.

You may hate it now, but you’ll be glad you did it after! That’s how cleaning usually goes, because taking care of your home is also taking care of yourself. In this episode, Jen and Jill share tips on creating a simple cleaning schedule and sticking to it—plus, the perfect cost-effective cleaning products to match. It’s the ultimate guide for your upcoming weekend or monthly reset!

Alright, hear us out: finding your purpose doesn’t have to be this do-or-die, all-or-nothing thing because that kind of thinking will drive your finances crazy, thinking you’ll find it once you have everything, but nope, not at all. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Jordan Grumet of Earn & Invest Podcast to share simple reminders on how to find your purpose and what it really means to have one.

Are you aware of the top money-making scams to watch out for? We listen and we don’t judge. In this episode, Jen and Jill explore the rise of scams targeting those looking to earn extra income. Tune in to hear more about how to spot the red flags and how to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Buy What You Love Without Going Broke is finally here! To celebrate, Jen and Jill share the story behind the book in this latest episode. They discuss everything from the initial inspiration to the nitty-gritty of marketing and promotion. Plus, they share their favorite chapters and the lessons learned along the way.

Welcome to 2025! Let’s kick off the year with what matters most—our decisions in our finances! Forget “good” or “bad” choices, doing your best is what counts. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Jessica Moorhouse to remind us that every decision is a pivot in an unpredictable direction, but it’s not going to ruin you. They also highlight the importance of recognizing your internal relationship with yourself.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Jen and Jill drive this point home in their new book, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, which is exactly what we’re talking about today- spending money! We cover the ways that we’re doing it wrong, how to spend money in a healthy values-driven way, and strategies to support those new habits!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.