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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.

We’re about to get so real—and by that, we mean we’re taking deinfluencing to the next level. In this episode, Jen and Jill react to actual videos of how influencers try to get us to spend. They break down what you’re seeing on social media, what it’s doing to you psychologically, and why you don’t need to spend money on Memorial Day.

We’re here to remind you: No need to feel guilty about what you bought or what you paid when you’ve gone through the effort to get it at the best price. In this episode, Jen and Jill take you along on Jen’s shopping spree! Jen shares the behind-the-scenes of her mission to find high-quality workout clothes that fit her lifestyle, without overspending.

Why downgrade when you can stretch that one product you love? A little goes a long way and by that, we mean two more weeks of that beloved shampoo or everyday essential! In this episode, we sit down with Hope Ware to talk about simple ways to stretch what you already have, make things last longer, and save money without sacrificing what works.

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.