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Confession time is either a cry for help or a gentle reminder to get it together. In this episode, we're diving into some wild Reddit money confessions about how people got into debt and we're going to give some insight on what we'd do if we were in their situation.

Let's be honest, the internet is full of “frugal living tips” that sound great until you try them and realize they either save you thirty-seven cents or feel like a part-time job. These are not those tips. They may be the unsexy ones but they are the ones that actually helped us pay off over $100,000 of debt.

How far would you go to trust, believe, and help a stranger online? Today we're breaking down how social media has turned struggle into a brand, how these trends exploit both empathy and algorithms, and how it may be affecting you without you ever giving a dime.

If the cycle keeps repeating with meal plans, making the list, overspending, the secret isn't in the store. It's in what happens before you shop. Today we'll break down this one simple fix, why almost everyone skips it, and how it can instantly change the way you grocery shop without cutting out your favorite foods or clipping a single coupon.

The wildest hocus pocus you'll see this Halloween isn't in the haunted houses, it's how Buy Now, Pay Later is leaving people trapped in debt or with ruined credit. Jen and Jill share BNPL horror stories featuring real people and truly scary consequences and how to protect yourself if you've already swiped your way into one of these spells.

The right amount of money in the wrong place is still wasted money. So Jen and Jill spent years testing different savings accounts, earning thousands in passive income along the way, to find out which HYSAs truly deliver the best savings. In this episode, they walk us through the best accounts this fall season and compare who they're really good for.

Do money conversations make you uneasy? Today, we invited behavioral financial expert and author Carl Richards to unpack what this missing skill is and why it changes everything about the way we manage money. We'll explore why most of us never learned it, how it impacts every financial decision we make, and what small habits can help you finally feel in control of it.

It's all over the news! Rate cuts are going lower and lower and you might be panicking and pressured whether to do it now or later. Jen and Jill dug into the news, cut through the speculation, and crunched the numbers so that we can help you decide whether you should refinance now or wait for possible lower rates.

Would you sell your house to rent? Today we're diving into one of the most controversial money moves: buying vs. renting. And an even bigger twist: selling your home and going back to renting. Jill just made this huge decision herself, and in this episode, she and Jen unpack how it came to be and how it's going.

Payday hits, and somehow your paycheck disappears before you even blink. Today, we're walking through a simple routine that makes your paycheck stretch, covering bills, savings, and still leaving room for the fun stuff. Stick with it every payday and see the difference for yourself.

“Tiktok made me do it.” Well, you're not wrong because it's designed that way.The promise of connection on social media often ends in loneliness. And loneliness comes with a cost. In this episode, we'll explore the ways on how that vulnerability causes us to spend more without even realizing it.

Even the things we think will be worth it can be wasted, and that's sad but that's the truth. In this episode, we're calling out the things women are told to spend on that actually drain our wallets with zero return. Jen and Jill break down 17 money wasters that just aren't worth it.

You saved, invested, and planned, but now comes the real question: How do you actually use your money in retirement?In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, William and Paul break down the often-overlooked - but critical - concept of income sequencing: the order you draw from accounts like RRSPs, CPP, TFSAs, pensions, and corporate assets in retirement.You'll learn:• A 5-step framework to build your personalized drawdown plan• The risks of generic advice (like “always delay CPP”)• Why RRIF shocks and OAS clawbacks catch retirees off guard• When the “RRSP meltdown” strategy makes sense - and when it backfiresª Real-world case studies that show how timing changes everythingWhether you're 5 years from retirement or already drawing income, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and give you more peace of mind.

Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like whatever they want and other girls can't say anything about it. At least, that's what Mean Girls told us. But there's one voice that does get a say...and that's our planet. In this episode, we're looking at last year's most viral trends, what's on the rise this year, and how to tell if it's something you actually value or just another ‘cool girl costume' bandwagon moment.

It's not that women aren't in the game of investing, we've just been told for too long that it isn't our lane. But not anymore. In this episode, we're breaking down the barriers, myths, and common mistakes that hold women back, covering the biggest investing mistakes women make.

Is “enough” really enough? Or is it just a safe excuse to stay where you are? In this episode, Jen and Jill break down the levels of wealth, what each one offers, and how earning and saving a little more can help you move to the next stage with confidence.

Forget reusing tea bags and hoarding ketchup packets because some “frugal hacks” don't actually save you money, they just make you look cheap. In this episode, we'll break down the habits that don't give you the payoff you think they will, what to do instead, and why looking cheap actually costs you more in the long run.

Would you pay someone to teach you how to make money? This influencer went viral not for the success of her courses, but for being exposed in the scams she created along the way. Jen and Jill are here not to drag anyone's character, but to look at how she mixes truth with lies to manipulate people into spending hundreds of dollars on information they could easily get for free.

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Wages are stagnant, inflation is inflating, but these are NOT the reasons most people are broke. It's our habits, shaped by the world around us and social media, that keep us spending, not saving, and stuck in debt. Today, we're looking at the WORST money habits that are actually keeping you broke and showing you how to flip each one around.

In this Student Spotlight, Wendy interviews Anna McNeese, a mom of four from Mississippi, about her family's transformation through the Fresh Start Experience and Full Mastery program. Anna shares openly about the early days of exhaustion, power struggles, and shame-based patterns, and how learning new tools gave her family hope, connection, and peace. From navigating strong-willed kids with compassion, to breaking cycles of fear and shame, to modeling emotional literacy for her children, Anna's story shows the power of choosing a new way forward. Today, her home is more peaceful, her kids are practicing self-control, and even tough moments have become opportunities for growth and connection. Tune in to hear Anna's story and be encouraged that it's never too late to choose peace, break old cycles, and step into joy as a parent.

Call it retro the way 'what's in' during the 1950s are making a comeback. For Jen, that made this challenge too tempting not to try and her curiosity had to see where it would lead. The results weren't exactly what they expected, but they walked through everything like why she did it, what happened, and the key takeaways that happened along the way.

In this Student Spotlight, Wendy Snyder interviews Caitlin—a mom of two from Indianapolis—about her real-life journey with the Fresh Start Experience. Caitlin shares how shifting from reactive habits to peaceful parenting has strengthened connection at home, built emotional literacy in her kids, and helped her break generational cycles with empathy and consistency.  She also celebrates inviting her parents (the boys' grandparents) into the learning—proof that growth can ripple through an entire family. With practical wins rooted in nervous system regulation, Caitlin shows how modeling calm, naming feelings, and holding firm, kind boundaries can transform everyday moments like transitions, spills, and sibling tension into chances to learn and bond. If you're curious what positive parenting looks like beyond theory—and how community support keeps you consistent—this encouraging story will give you hope and a roadmap for real change. Head to ⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/291⁠  for more info and guest links.

We're not here to take away your favorite things, we're here to help enjoy them without the strain. In today's episode, we're listing down easy swaps that you can do effortlessly to stay in the game. You don't have to do everything on the list but trust that one small swap can make a big difference and big money win!

As we step into a brand-new school year, many parents are coming out of summer feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, and stuck in old cycles. In this episode, Wendy Snyder shares how to shift from a scarcity mindset—where fear, stress, and urgency tend to rule—into an abundance mindset that fuels calm, connection, and confidence at home. This conversation is a reset for your parenting. If you've been feeling short-tempered, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to handle another busy school year, you're not alone. Wendy will encourage you to wipe the slate clean, find your courage, and parent with more peace, patience, and long-term vision. ✨ Tune in for practical parenting tips, nervous system insights, and encouragement to step into the season with fresh energy—for you and your kids. Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/290  for more info and guest links.

Behind every “body tea” and “skinny legend” is an industry selling illusions, profiting off of our insecurities. So Jen and Jill share how to recognize the spending traps around body trends and guide us toward healthier, lasting ways to feel confident. Because loving yourself should always be free!

Call it self-roasting or scrolling the hall of shame. But even the most frugal among us slip up sometimes. And today they admit all of it. Jen and Jill went through their shopping histories on Amazon, Facebook, and wherever else they could remember to share their biggest regrets.

Think you know what you spend on your kids' fun? Think again. Jen and Jill go through one listener's spending list to uncover where the cash is really going and how avoiding a closer look at our habits can actually make us spend more. Catch the full story here or on YouTube!

When you're carrying a lot of debt, peace of mind feels just out of reach but that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong, you just haven't found the method that fits you. In this episode, we're bringing back a powerful, proven approach to help you take control, prioritize your debt with confidence, and make every payment count.

It's a back-to-school reset! But not the one with matching lunchboxes and over-the-top ‘what's in my kid's bag' trends. Instead of overhauling everything for the kids, Jen and Jill are flipping the script on what a real reset means and breaking down how TikTok is fueling quiet overconsumption and spotlighting what to do to stay grounded, intentional, and spend way less.

When life gets heavy, our spending often follows. Jen and Jill chats with a listener who openly shares her 90-day transaction inventory from one of the hardest chapters of her life.They took a closer look at her spending habits and explored how different life seasons can affect the way we spend and how we can recover once that season has passed. Catch the episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast app because this one hits close to home.

Cars are meant to get you to your destination NOT become your second home. But these days, people are spending so much even after buying a new car that it makes you stop and think… is it really worth it? Jen and Jill, with car expert Hayden Schreier break it all down pointing out the hidden costs, cheap parts, and big red flags to watch out for before you buy.

Before budgeting apps and finance gurus, people were making do with almost nothing yet somehow still thriving! In this episode, Jen and Jill go back in time to show just how timeless the tips from the Great Depression really are. Believe it or not, their wisdom and old-school ways still work today.

We all want to save as fast as we can but fast is relative. For some, it's going to take months, for others, years. Either way, one isn't better than the other because life moves differently for us all. Jen and Jill have been there, and now they're sharing five easy steps to make your version of “fast” feel like the speed of light.

Parents want to give their kids the best—the toys, the experiences, the memories. But that desire, fueled by pressure to be the “perfect parent,” often leads to overspending and financial stress. In this episode, Jen and Jill explore why this happens, the three main areas parents overspend, and how to take a more mindful approach.

If you're in it for the thrill of the hunt, this one's for you—with a twist. Because this time, you actually get to save more. Ingrid Jensen joins us to talk all about the treasure hiding in your clutter like things you forgot you owned, surprise coupons, and the peace that comes with open space. In this episode, we're revisiting the magic (and strategy) of decluttering!

It's so normal for us, as a society, to avoid health check-ups out of fear of shocking medical bills. But in most cases, what you see on your medical bill isn't the amount you actually have to pay. In this episode, experts share the most common medical billing mistakes, how to spot them, and steps to challenge charges, get discounts, and find hidden financial aid.

If you think about it, proving your love for your country almost sounds too easy—just shop, and you’re goods! Feels like a win-win. Only it’s not. And worse, it usually costs you more. In this episode, we unpack the propaganda that’s shaped the idea of shopping as a patriotic act.

Debt can be a scary word, really. It keeps you up at night, brings on the stress, and makes everything feel heavier. But you’re not alone. Once upon a time, Jen and Jill were there too. So in this episode, they’re once again sharing how they got through it and reminding you that it is possible.

Right when you're about to get something done, your phone interrupts: “Insufficient Storage.” Now, instead of working, you're cleaning out files or worse, paying for more space. In this episode, we’re breaking down why digital clutter can be just as costly as physical mess and the smartest ways to simplify your phone so it stays that way.

One day you're sipping coffee, getting ready for work, and it hits you—you’ve got nothing saved for retirement. Cue the panic. But Jen and Jill are here to remind you once more: it’s never too late. In this episode, they talk about how just getting started now can still make a big difference.

Healing your inner child is one thing but giving in to every trending collectible might be saying more than you think, because the truth is, it is affecting your spending! This episode is not to deprive you of the fun, but to help you understand how these trendy (and sometimes irresistible) collectibles have hidden consequences and smart ways of luring you in.

Propaganda we’re not falling for: That it’s impossible to do a no-spending challenge. Just because the world revolves around capitalism? Nuh-uh. If you know how to do it right you will do it right. There may be pros and cons along the way but the lessons and habits you pick up will benefit you no matter what. And that’s exactly what Jen and Jill are diving into in this episode.

Sorry, not sorry—we’re done falling for the societal pressure trap. We’re getting the bag and living that rich girl vibe. In this episode, Katie from Money with Katie joins us to break down the industries profiting off our insecurities, how to navigate negotiation as a woman, and how to give your budget a full-on Hot Girl Detox.

Life isn’t always perfect and neither are fruits and veggies. So they don’t have to be the freshest or most expensive to nourish you. The truth is, being well doesn’t have to cost a lot. In this episode, we’re diving into all things organic and sharing how you can find them for free, on a budget, and totally guilt-free.

It’s a different kind of heartbreak having to fall into scams especially when your intentions were pure. We can’t stop scammers from being shady, but we can learn how to spot the signs and steer clear. In this episode, we’re talking about the latest scam trends and how AI is making them sneakier and we’re sharing easy ways to protect yourself so it doesn’t happen again.

Budgeting needs some tender, loving care. If you ignore it and don’t check in, it’ll turn its back on you and that’s when self-sabotage sneaks in and everything starts to fall apart. Take a deep breath, because in this episode, we’re diving into the reasons you might find yourself stuck in that cycle and sharing simple, powerful tips to help you break free for good.

That lobster bag is everywhere. Your FYP, your DMs, even your dreams. And as summer hits its stride, so does the relentless push to book, buy, and binge every trend in sight. In this episode, we’re calling out the sneaky ways social media makes us want things we don’t need. It’s a fun, eye-opening look at what’s actually worth it versus what’s just really good (or bad) marketing.

Calling all meat lovers, this is your time to shine! In this episode, Jen and Jill, along with Jenny Mitich, explore all the ways you can get high-quality meat at a great price. Plus, they share how to stretch it into multiple meals down to the very last bone. No waste, just full tummies and good food.

See how eating healthy doesn’t have to be pricey? Very demure, very mindful. If you’ve been wanting to eat a little better, try more veggies, or just stop spending a lot at the grocery store, this episode’s for you. Back with a listener favorite, Toni Okamoto is here to prove that plant-based living doesn’t mean sad meals or empty wallets.