Podcasts about what jen

In this episode, we're so excited to welcome Mindful Design graduate Jen Weis to the Holistic Spaces Podcast! Jen joined us to talk all about office feng shui, and she shared some simple feng shui tips to optimize your workspace. We cover:- Why work with feng shui in your office? - How improving your office's feng shui can also improve your home life- Jen's top feng shui tips for setting up an office (at home or away from home) - Ideas for staying focused while you're working- How implementing feng shui in Jen's office impacted her work- How Jen has been led by her feng shui practice- What Jen is working on right nowSign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things Mindful Design.Jen's website: leadingwithshui.comConnect with Jen on Instagram, Facebook, or emailMentioned in this episode: Our Mindful Design Class of Spring 2022 is now open for enrollment! If you have specific feng shui questions and want one-on-one guidance with us, check out our monthly live class, Practical Feng Shui. Or hire Laura, Anjie, or one of our students for a consultation. Make sure you're following us on Instagram for feng shui tips and giveaways.Be sure to visit the Mindful Design Feng Shui page to learn more about enhancing your feng shui knowledge through our courses. This is the best way to support the podcast! You can also take a look at our blog posts on feng shui basics.

“Stop talking yourself out of things and start talking yourself into things.” - Jennifer Lieberman Today's featured triple-threat author is an award-winning writer, performer, and producer from Maple, Canada, Jennifer Lieberman. Jen and I talk about how to use your skills in new areas to pay your bills, her Olympic preparation to successfully put on an award-winning one-woman show, and more elite performance goodness!   Key Thing's You'll Learn: What inspired Jen to be an actor and write her own scripts. Why it's essential to have friends that challenge you. What Jen did to pivot and advance her business and career during the pandemic. What her preparation steps were for putting on a successful one-woman show. Why speaking may be more difficult than you think.   Jen's Site: http://www.jenniferliebermanactor.com/ Jen's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Lieberman/e/B00P7MK6BY?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000   The opening track is titled "Old Skyring - T7 Mix" by Rukunetsu (aka Project R). Click on the following link to listen and cop the full tune. https://soundcloud.com/rukunetsu/old-skyring-t7-mix   You May Also Like….   Ep. 371 – “The Power of Pivoting” with Monica Ortega (@monicagoesshow): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-371-the-power-of-pivoting-with-monica-ortega-monicagoesshow/   Ep. 382 – “Coming Out as Yourself” with Stephanie Lavigne (@stephlavigne): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-382-coming-out/   244 – “Chick Lit Inspiration” with Miranda Oh (@ohmirandaoh): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/244-chick-lit-inspiration-with-miranda-oh-ohmirandaoh/   Ep. 384 – “Steal Your Skills From Corporate” with Katrina Roddy (@KRoddy65): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-384-steal-your/   Ep. 349.5 – “Signs in the Rearview Mirror” with Kelly Smith (@kellys_author): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3495-signs-in-the-rearview-mirror-with-kelly-smith-kellys_author/   Ep. 348 – “Bring Inner Greatness Out” with Dr. Mansur Hasib, CISSP, PMP, CPHIMS (@mhasib): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-348-bring-inner-greatness-out-with-dr-mansur-hasib-cissp-pmp-cphims-mhasib/   Ep. 308 – “Every Day Is A New Day” with Kim O'Neill (@KimsONaMission): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep308-every-day-is-a-new-day-with-kim-oneill-kimsonamission/     Ep. 354 – “Thrilling Self-Love” with Kristina Rienzi: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-354-thrilling-self-love-with-kristina-rienzi/   284 – “Choose You” with Meagan Fettes (@MeaganFettes): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/284-choose-you-with-meagan-fettes-meaganfettes/   285 – “Find Your Friggin' Joy” with Belinda Farrell (@Hunababy): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/285-find-your-friggin-joy-with-belinda-farrell-hunababy/   Ep. 351 – “The Gift Legacy” with JP McLean (@jpmcleanauthor): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-351-the-gift-legacy-with-jp-mclean-jpmcleanauthor/   134 - "The Courage Self-Love Journey" with Erica Glessing (@EricaGlessing): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/134-the-courage-self-love-journey-with-erica-glessing-ericaglessing/   150 - "Princess Monroe and Her Happily Ever After" with Jody Vallee Smith: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/150-princess-monroe-and-her-happily-ever-after-with-jody-vallee-smith/

In this episode, Corissa interviews Thee Mobility Queen & Physical Therapist, Dr. Jen Fraboni. Jen shares her journey from deciding to get into a DPT program to helping thousands around the world reduce and eliminate pain through mobility & movement.From gymnastics to pilates and physical therapy to personal growth, you'll want to tune into this one!SHOW NOTES:2:15 - Jens introduction3:20 - How Corissa and Jen met5:30 - Jen's journey from gymnastics to Pilates, physical therapy and beyond7:00 - Jen's passion for physical therapy and decision to go for her DPT12:30 - Anything is possible13:30 - Opportunities leading Jen with the decision to leave the office and do her own thing17:00 - Leveraging social media & the web for mass impact22:40 - Moving through fears as an introvert on social media24:45 - Feeling crazy within your mind is NORMAL. Keep swimming!26:00 - Jen's personal development journey. From resistance to breaking through.29:00 - Moving through a breakup and trusting your intuition33:30 - Jen's perspective on CrossFit39:50 - There's no “one way to move”40:30 - What Jen is up to these days and how to get value from her programs, podcast, and apps42:30 - Jen's programs, The Mobility Method & The Optimal Body45:00 - One of Jen's favorite books and top tips for mindset & movement growth46:00 - Breathwork. DO. IT.47:00 - Thank you, Jen!Guest: Doctor Jen EsquerInstagram: @docjenfit @themobilitymethod @theoptimalbodyWebsite: https://www.docjenfit.com/Podcast Host: Corissa Alvarez, MS, CPT SUBSCRIBE TO CORISSA'S EMAIL LIST WITH THIS LINK! ...& GET A FREE HABIT TRACKER! https://corissalulu.ck.page/9aad2f69f1Instagram: @corissaluluEmail: connect@corissalulu.com

I'm sure that all of us can agree that MS sucks for a lot of the time. But having an FUMS attitude means not just surviving with MS - but THRIVING!Jen DeTracey is a certified coach and the founder of Women Thriving with MS. In 2010, Jen was a successful consultant and professional speaker when, during a speaking tour, she found she could barely walk, write or smile. 48 hours later she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At that time, she thought she would never be able to work again.Jen has been living with MS for over 10 years and has now discovered how to thrive. And now she's guiding women on how to empower themselves to live life better with MS. Listen in to find out how!Topics covered in this episode include:What Jen was doing prior to her diagnosis with MS - in her career and private lifeThe story of Jen's early symptoms and MS diagnosisHer post-diagnosis struggles with mental healthHow an insurance policy empowered Jen to make a change in her careerWhy Jen started her Women Thriving with MS programDetails about Jen's recently launched weTHRIVE membershipResources for this episode (clickable links):Check out Jen's weTHRIVE membership programmeVisit the WomenThrivingWithMS.com website and listen to the PodcastFollow Women Thriving With MS on YouTube, Twitter and FacebookHelp keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page - or buy FUMS MerchSign up for the Patients Getting Paid course email waiting list** Sign up for The FUMS 6-Pack here: The FUMS 6-Pack.~ Special thanks to my podcast editor Steve Woodward. Do you have a podcast or are you interested in starting a pod? I HIGHLY recommend adding Steve to your team. Find him at PodcastingEditor.comPrivacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Today's guest is Jen O'Brien, the Executive Director at the American Special Hockey Association, or ASHA as it's called. Jen serves nationally and her advocacy supports organizations and athletes with special needs as they strive to achieve their goals with the coolest game on ice. During her tenure with ASHA, Jen has helped them grow to support over 100 established special hockey clubs throughout the US and she has also grown over a dozen new ones. As awareness increases about special hockey so will opportunities for more people to become involved and actively help grow access to the sport they love. I have personally known Jen for over a decade and she is truly a giver and always looking to help others. I cannot wait to share our conversation with you. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... What led Jen to become the Executive Director at ASHA [2:23] What is ASHA all about [3:42] The connection between ASHA and the NFL [6:08] Where do the funds come from to run the organization?[11:15] Are there ASHA teams all over the country for people to get involved with? [13:54] What does it cost for players? [16:43] How has Jen seen hockey impact the lives of those involved in ASHA? [19:13] What are the next steps for ASHA? [27:11] What Jen did today that put her in the right mindset for success? [31:03] How you can get involved with this amazing organization! [31:42] Resources & People Mentioned Alex Ovechkin Bryant McBride at Burst Communications William Aronow Connect with Jen O'Brien & ASHA ASHA's website On Twitter: ASHA On Linkedin: Jen, ASHA On Facebook: Jen, ASHA Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site. Connect With Mitlin Financial podcast(at)MitlinFinancial.com - email us with your suggestions for topics or guests https://mitlinfinancial.com  Follow on Twitter Follow on Instagram Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Facebook Subscribe to Mitlin Money Mindset™ on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Jen Sey is the global brand president at Levi Strauss & Co.,  where she is responsible for marketing, design, merchandising, and brand experience. Jen has been with Levi Strauss & Co. for more than 20 years, holding a variety of leadership positions within the Marketing, Strategy, and Ecommerce teams. In 2013, Jen became the global chief marketing officer for the Levi’s brand and in 2018 was appointed senior vice president and chief marketing officer, overseeing marketing for the company’s portfolio of brands. Jen has been named one of AdAge’s "Top 40 Marketers Under 40" one of Brand Innovators' "Top 50 Women in Marketing," Billboard Magazine’s "Top 25 Most Powerful People in Music and Fashion," receiver of the CMO Social Responsibility Award and she was featured on Forbes CMO Next List: 50 Chief Marketers Who Are Redefining the CMO role. As a child, Jen led an intense life of dedication, challenge, and competition. She won the U.S. National Gymnastics Championship title in 1986, less than one year after having suffered a devastating injury at the 1985 World Championships. As a result, the U.S. Olympic Committee named her Gymnastics’ Athlete of the Year. Jen retired after eight years on the national team and went on to study at Stanford University. In 2008, Jen released a memoir, “Chalked Up,” a New York Times E-Book Best Seller detailing her triumphs and struggles within the world of competitive gymnastics. Jen's book led to her producing a Netflix documentary on the investigation and ultimate conviction of Larry Nassar and the decades-long abusive culture of USA Gymnastics. This was a pretty wide-ranging conversation and Jen really over delivered on the leadership advice here, focusing a lot on how climbing the corporate ladder is not always a recipe for success in corporate America, as well as details on how Levi's weathered the storm of COVID-19 and keys to establishing an authentic company culture.    Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Jen. Focus on expansion over upward progression. This is a great piece of career advice. In addition to her executive position at a Fortune 500 brand, Jen is a former elite athlete, published author, and successful documentary producer. She has had accomplishments in many disparate arenas, and each experience seems to have compounded to develop her professionally in ways that serve just about everything she does. This may run counter to the 'Jack of all trades' debate, but Jen makes it work beautifully. When Jen found herself overly focused on climbing the corporate ladder, she frequently felt stuck. What Jen found to be a much more effective and enjoyable strategy for her career progression was to focus on experiences and projects that would expand her skill sets and knowledge base. Doing so made her a much more well-rounded professional with the ability to pivot, adapt, and learn new skills, all of which served her tremendously as a leader.   Bring a unified version of yourself to everything you do. When publishing her first book, Jen's initial instinct was to be silent about it out of concern it could make her seem less dedicated to her corporate work. As her book's popularity blew up and she began doing a robust amount of media interviews, ultimately, she could no longer hide it. What ended up happening when people found out though, was the opposite of what she had feared; her new accomplishment was extremely impressive to many people and made her more synonymous with being outspoken, creative, and downright more interesting, all of which ultimately helped her career. So if you're accomplishing a lot with your side hustles, don't hide them because they may just help boost your corporate persona. Creating an environment for true selves is the key to authenticity, and it starts at the top.  Leaders who are forthright about their own feelings give others permission to do the same. This has never been more important than now, where a lot of managers and executives are relinquishing the notion of a flawless and unfeeling leader as an outdated archetype.  Instead, today's leaders are feeling free to be honest and vulnerable around their staff, which gives those who report to them the license to do the same. This level of transparency is what truly allows corporate atmospheres to blossom into authentic communities.

“The water took everything, but we had ourselves and all of our communities and friends who made sure we had everything else.” Welcoming to the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. For the next four weeks, we’ll hear from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. First up: Meet Jen Correa! Jen is a mom of two (plus two dogs!) from Staten Island, NY. She works in insurance, and we met through the running blog world in the early 2010s, when Jen was blogging at Mom’s Gotta Run. On this episode, Jen shares her running story, which started when her friend convinced her to run a Corporate Challenge race. She wasn’t an athlete growing up — “I have nightmares of gym class,” she says — but after her first race as an adult (and a pack-a-day smoker), she was hooked. Eventually, Jen gave up smoking, but she stuck with running, including marathons. In 2012, Jen and her family lost everything when Hurricane Sandy touched down in Staten Island. Their house was lifted off its foundation, and floated nearly a mile away. They had to start over, and on this episode, Jen, 46, talks about how, exactly, they did that. She shares her poignant takeaways from losing it all, and talks about the controversy surrounding the New York City Marathon’s cancellation at the time. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off. What you’ll get on this episode: Reflecting back on the early 2010s, and what it was like being a part of the running community in New York City during that time (5:45) Jen talks about her childhood, and about how she found running (9:00) On adopting and owning the “runner” title (15:45) On being a New Yorker on September 11, 2001 (18:30) What Jen’s relationship with running was like during and after her pregnancies (20:00) Jen talks about her family’s experience in the wake of Hurricane Sandy (31:30) “When you’ve lost everything — except each other — what do you do?” (46:00) What running — and finally running the New York City Marathon — was like after Hurricane Sandy (52:00) What it was like running the 2016 New York City Marathon representing Staten Island as part of the Foot Locker Five Borough Challenge (1:01:30) What we mention on this episode: Michele Gonzalez on Episode 87 of the Ali on the Run Show Michele Gonzalez on Episode 19 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jen: Instagram @jenjencorrea Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Dave Rubin of The Rubin Report talks about White House press secretary Jen Psaki struggling to blame Trump for the Atlanta shooting. While it is still being investigated, if the attack on Asian women working in various massage parlors by Robert Aaron Long was an anti-Asian hate crime, some in the media have already made their judgment. Psaki suggests that because Donald Trump used the phrase “Wuhan virus,” he contributed to anti-Asian American sentiments. What Jen forgets is that the mainstream media was also calling it the Wuhan coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic, before it became “racist.” Dave also does a special “ask me anything” question-and-answer session on a wide-ranging host of topics, answering questions from the Rubin Report Locals community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a leadership role, you need to get people to open up to you. Dig in. - Jen Paxton Meet Jen Paxton With a master’s degree in Opera, Jen Paxton didn't think she would have a career in Talent Acquisition, however, she fell in love with helping candidates find the right role. She started her career at a recruiting firm placing technical professionals, then after a few years moved in-house. She has grown teams at later stage startups like Fiksu and LevelUp and built Recruiting and PeopleOps strategies from scratch at small startups like Logentries and TrueMotion. Jen is currently at Privy, an eCommerce Marketing platform that helps small and growing brands get from $0 to $1 million in online sales, as their VP of People+Talent. She focuses on building a company that employees and candidates love. On this episode Stacey & Jen talk about... What Jen wanted to be when she grew up (2:30) Jen's move from opera singer to people & talent (6:30) Formalities Jen had to shed when making her career change (11:34) Perfection as a disservice to self (14:34) Making the shift from leading self to leading others and maintaining good company culture (19:13) The clash of data and people ( 22:30) Psychological safety, emotional well-being and building trust in a “get down to business” workplace (24:30) How do you measure trust and maintain it in a pandemic/virtual world? (31:37) Dealing with employee loneliness, burnout, boundaries, Zoom exhaustion and other struggles in a pandemic world. (35:30) How Jen is managing her own well-being (40:50) The biggest formality Jen had to shed to get to where she is now (43:10) Connect with Jen Paxton On LinkedIn

Jen McGowan is a film director whose first feature film, Kelly & Cal, won the Gamechanger Award at the South by Southwest film festival. Her most recent feature film, Rust Creek, is currently #5 on Netflix. Jen is also the founder of Glass Elevator, a networking and skill sharing site for women in the film industry, and recently directed episodes of The Purge and The Twilight Zone.  What you will learn: How Jen has coped creatively and professionally amid the pandemic and political turmoil over the last year, and how screenplays have evolved throughout the pandemic. [0:00-11:53]  What was unique about her film Kelly & Cal, how Juliette Lewis went above and beyond to promote the film, and what tough decisions she had to make on that film with an indie budget, especially regarding music rights. [11:15-19:17]  The differences between working as a director on indie films without representation vs. being represented while working on studio films with larger budgets vs. directing television; how the freedom her parents provided growing up factored into her decision-making educationally and vocationally. [19:17-31:18] What it was like making Rust Creek, from inception, to casting, to production, to making necessary scene cuts, and finally the premiere. [31:18-41:26] How distribution of films work and the importance of festivals, especially for indie movies; how Netflix and other streaming services factor into the distribution strategy, relative to theater ticket sales. [41:26-46:20] What Jen believes the turning point was for women in the film industry, based on her personal experience, what exciting (but secret) plans Jen has for the future, and advice she has for listeners interested in breaking into film. [46:20-55:41]   Resources: Jen McGowan’s: IMDb, Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Glass Elevator website  

Jen Pierce is a Columbus GA based Wedding and Maternity photographer. In just a few short years she went from hobbyist to 6 figure business that just opened up a studio, and she attributes her success to one thing, Authenticity. Today she shares how she got started, the struggles she faced, and how to be more authentic with your own images. In This Episode You'll Learn: [03:20] Jen shares the story of how she got started in photography. [06:40] Birth Photography as a major part of her work. [21:45] Can you describe your editing style? [26:56] How Jen was able to open her first photography studio in such a short amount of time [28:34] What advice would you give to a new photographer? [31:35] How small or big are the changes that you're making to your photography? [39:00] How to contact Jen Premium Members Also Learn: The reason why Jen was able to go from hobby photographers to bringing in 6 figures Jens Step by step Instagram strategy to booking more clients What Jen is doing today to market her photography business to attract new clients Resources: Jen Pierce’s website Jen Pierce on Instagram

“There’s a way that we can meet urgent moments without the spirit of urgency. That requires a competency and capacity that comes from deep grounding and regulation. Being able to show up consistently in ritual, rhythm and routine.” This conversation with Jen Lemen feels like strong medicine. With so many of us understandably depleted and exhausted, this topic of rest and sensitively responding to the needs of our bodies is so important and resonant.  Jen has learned, through her own relationships forged in times of urgency and danger, to “interrupt” urgency. The interruption can be as simple as an intentional step outside, or a deliberate hand on the heart while taking a deep breath. But these interruptions can not be a “one and done” deal. What was fascinating is that Jen talks about stepping away and resting as a ”competency,” which suggests that rest is a learnable skill acquired through practice. If we practice day to day, in the form of simple supportive rhythms, rituals and routines, we cultivate stamina and resilience, thus equipping ourselves to arrive in urgent times with clarity and creativity. What Jen is talking about is taking some level of ownership over our nervous system regulation. She shares, “Regulation is the secret sauce.” This regulation can be sourced from one’s own competence, and also from co-regulation, or synching to the nervous systems of others. We do this naturally, whether the people we are with are well-regulated or not. Thus we can see our own self-tending as a way to care for our people as well.  The activity of our pre-frontal lobe is inhibited in times of fear and heightened stress. This is the part of our brains that is associated with impulse control, critical thinking, long term planning and even optimism -- all necessary components to imagining and creating new systems of care. With rhythms, rituals and routines, the body is coaxed out of a fight or flight mode. We instinctively lean on rhythms, rituals and routines for babies and small children, but we lose sight of these vital practices. Actually, white supremacy culture, with its emphasis on perfectionism, urgency and relentless productivity, socialize us to let go of these practices, making stopping and resting seem superfluous and self-indulgent. A Black leader of this counter-cultural rest movement is Tricia Hersey, the founder of the Nap Ministry, who promotes rest for individuals and napping as a public communal practice. The need for rest is of particular importance for Black Americans whose ability to rest and sleep deeply has been damaged over generations by white supremacy culture, with significant physical and psychological health fall out. Not only is rest more difficult because of the trauma of anti-Black racism, but Hersey says, “...Black people...have been socialized to believe you have to do more and work harder to equalize yourself....It’s a disservice to paint it that way because it’s not true. It’s a lie. It adds to the sleep deprivation that is mental and psychological that we don’t deserve rest.” The reminders and exhortation to rest, to pause, to create deliberate interruptions to busy-ness are so helpful to hear. It may take time to unlearn urgency and busy-ness. That’s why Jen’s reminder to begin with self-compassion feels like a good starting place. It doesn’t make sense to berate ourselves into taking a nap or getting some sunshine on our faces. We can’t wait for you to listen in and share your takeaways with us.   Nicole and Jen talked about: Being grounded and rested as a core competency of activism Practicing rest as an act of resistance How to meet urgent moments without the spirit of urgency The ways in which white supremacy culture show up in movement spaces The power of stillness and co-regulation to move our movements forward How not to use this practice to bypass people’s pain and harm “Above the Line/Below the line” Mutual aide: what it looks like, what it feels like Where and how to begin with rhythm, rituals, and routines if you’re exhausted and disconnected Why rest is necessary to access creativity, defiance and compassion What an Inclusive Life means to Jen   Bio: Jen Lemen is a mother, a friend and spiritual resource to activists, organizers and emerging leaders around the country and the globe. Jen's thought leadership work in the Path of Devotion and The Nest emphasizes the (un)learning required in body, mind and soul in order to embrace radical collective care. An avid map maker, Jen charts the processes we go through to shed conditioning, break with ancestral patterns of harm and renounce staunch individualism for greater response-ability to our local communities and the collective.  Through online gathering and on the ground organizing, Jen believes that resistance happens in community and that we get to the work at hand in our bodies, connected to our intuition and able to move with our collective guidance together like starlings. Jen's work seeks to make granular and specific the ways oppression operates in us to interfere with that process and offers ways to break with the embodied patterns that harm.  Jen lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with her son Carter and her dog Pip.   Find Jen: Path of Devotion   On Instagram: PathofDevotionBasics jenlemen   Mentioned in this episode:  “The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House,” by Audre Lorde The Nap Ministry

Life is messy and with all the uncertainty in the air, fear and anxiety can slip in quietly when we're not looking. The good news? We're not gonna take it anymore... In today’s episode, How to Laugh Without Fear of the Future, I’m talking with my friend Jen Ervig. Jen shares her story about overcoming anxiety and how knowing the end game can bring incredible joy. We also talk about women in leadership, and how she uses her gifts as Connections Pastor at her church. (Friend, if you're viewing this post via email, the podcast player to listen to this episode can be found here) In her latest book, When My Mind Winds Up: A Pull No Punches Approach to Anxiety, Jen brings her faith and personal journey with open hands in hopes that she can take what's helped her and "pay it forward". I know you'll love her humble honesty and pull-no-punches approach to the hard things in life. What Jen has to say will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Jen Ervig. Jen Ervig Jen Ervig is a Seattle area pastor, wife, mom, event speaker, and award-nominated author. Her book, As My Mind Unwinds, has been heralded as a hilarious, non-fluffy, unique take on a devotional surprising even non-Christian readers again and again. Thanks for Listening! Favorite Quotes from the Show "There is a clear definition between conviction and condemnation..."- Jen Ervig "We overcomplicate things when they are really quite so simple; we know the end game..."- Jen Ervig Connect with Jen! You can connect with Jen at asmymindunwinds.com, on Instagram @jensmindunwinds and pick up her books! You can find them on her Amazon author page. Stay awhile... I would also love to connect with you, so reach out to me on my contact page at dorisswift.com. I invite you to join my community of women who receive inspirational messages, helpful resources, and updates on podcast and book news! When you join my email list for free, I’ll send you this free gift... Grab it here: Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith!, Thank You for Being Such a Blessing Thank you again for being a faithful listener of Fierce Calling! I'd love to hear how Fierce Calling has encouraged and inspired you. Drop a message in the comments or via my contact page on dorisswift.com. It would bless me so much to hear what God is doing in your lives. I hope you’ll join me next time when I invite another woman who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Until then friend, have a blessed week and I’ll talk to you soon. Doris ♥

There's many ways to approach budgeting, and finding a way that works for us that is also simple is our aim! We're revisiting a previous favorite episode to explore some minimal budgeting approaches - listen in! Sponsors:  Frugal Friends Workbook. If you want to do better with your finances this year but you already know you’re not going to turn your life upside down to do it then check out The Frugal Friends Workbook. It’s a digital workbook with 6 week-long challenges that turn improving your finances into a game. In addition to the challenges you’ll get 60 pages of teaching and implementation guidance and while it can be completed on your own, it’s created to be gone through in pairs or small groups that’s why every purchase comes with two downloads. Head to Frugalfriendspodcast.com/workbook to learn more and use the code TACOBELL (all one word) to get $10 off the regular price. No-spend challenges! I have a best-selling book on Amazon titled The No-Spend Challenge Guide and before frugal Friends that was the thing that I was known for. So to say I am a fan of what a no-spend challenge can do for your saving and spending is a massive understatement. I am obsessed. A no-spend challenge is a block of time that forces you to step back from the money routines and habits your brain has been falling back on and gives you the opportunity to make changes. You will hate it. It will be the worst but you will learn so much about yourself and your spending. And over at Modern Frugality I am hosting a free live 7-day no-spend challenge where you will get trainings, insights, and accountability for seven days straight. It starts TODAY Jan, 1 And you can join anytime over the 7-days and get access to everything in the group so come join us modernfrugality.com/challenge and I will see you there. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Savvy Savers Academy (https://www.savvysaversacademy.com/budgets-freedom/) lays the foundation for 'why' having a budget is a good thing. Most of us are on board with budgets being helpful - but this is a helpful argument in case you need a reminder ;) What Jen and Jill have to say: We agree with the point that budgets are glorified 'plans' for our money. Follow through can be difficult, but we have found that when we're not planning we actually have anxiety about spending on anything, even things we need! Budgeting gives you a peace of mind on current spending and future living A good way to start is to track your spending try mint (https://www.mint.com/) A budget gives control and freedom to spend More from the Internet: This article from Student Loan Hero (https://studentloanhero.com/featured/simple-budgeting-methods-for-financial-health/) outlines 5 different budgeting methods and how to incorporate them into your financial planning. More from Jen and Jill Jen uses a zero based or pay-yourself-first method so they can put the highest percentage possible to debt and savings Jen likes the idea of the envelope system and it works great for people like Allison of Inspired Budget (https://inspiredbudget.com/) who we had on the podcast (Episode 18), but it’s not for her Here are the different budgeting methods: Zero-based Pay-self first Envelope system 50/30/20 No budget BILL OF THE WEEK -  Thank you Jocelyn for your bill! We appreciate our long time listeners - and we enjoyed the movie reference! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Ways to Stick to Your Budget - Tips from the Frugal Friends Community (https://www.facebook.com/groups/frugalfriendspodcast/) ! Sage gets paid the first of the month and will pay all her bills and debt right away then spend whatever’s left. And the key to her success in that is leaving her credit cards at home! Amia plans out the whole month in advance but gets paid bi-weekly so she sets her bills to come out on each of her paydays. And she also keeps the last credit card she hasn’t cut up at home. Christine uses two checking accounts so all of her monthly bills come out of one and she uses the other for spending. This is good if you don’t have the option of paying everything on 1 or 2 particular days. Juvy uses the Mint app to track her budget because she gets notifications when she’s nearing her limit. Apps are a great way to bring your budget with you. I also like HoneyFi it’s a similar budgeting app for couples. Whitney uses EveryDollar and Ashley uses YNAB, all can be configured with the zero-based budget. Sue reminds us to prioritize sinking funds in our budgets so we’re not surprised by those often forgettable or unpredictable annual or biannual expenses. Wrap-Up: Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com (mailto:frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com) . AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a copy of the Frugal Friends Workbook! Thanks for listening! See you next week!

The girls sit down with Astrologer Brad Williams to go over their individual astrological readings live, including their unique Cosmic story aka past lives.Did Jen and Colleen cross paths before this lifetime!? What was their relationship like? Tune in, grab a glass of wine and enjoy!12:25— Brad Williams comes on13:00— Brad starts his reading16:30— Jen and Colleens Cosmic story, our past life together. 35:55— how do you see who was male/female in a past life?36:40— how do you come to this particular cosmic story?41:50— what is Jens Mars? 44:24— What is Colleens Mars?48:14— Colleens Chiron / our wounds / what are you here to work on.48:39— Jens Chiron / our wounds / what are you here to work on.50:50— Can you see in someones chart if they are going to die? How do you pick up on their future?53:30— what’s the best way for people to use their horoscope as a benefit to their lives?54:19— why is Scorpio such a hated sign!?55:18— what is Jen and Colleen’s dating life going to be like in 2021!?59:09— Colleens Cosmic story.1:01:0— What has Colleen asked herself to do in this lifetime?1:04:15— Jens Cosmic Story1:07:05— What Jen has asked herself to do in this lifetime.1:09:15— If you want to get a reading with Brad…1:10:38— Jen and Colleen reconvene and recap1:11:25— rapid fire Q&A!Your hosts:Jen Saviano- @jensav11Colleen Gallagher- @colleengallagher_Todays guest:@bradwilliamsastrology / www.bradwilliamsastrology.com

Today’s episode of In The Suite with Jennifer Goldman, CFP®. Jen is a problem solver and a process geek with more than 30 years of experience transforming service businesses within the finance industry. She’s a mom, wife, and schools activist with a huge heart for community, service, and volunteering.“You've got to follow your passion, and what you absolutely love to do,” says Jen. Jen has been published in several magazines, taught workshops, and spoken at several national conferences such as T3 Technology Tools for Today, Journal of Financial Planning, Investment News, Inside Information, The Trust Advisor, FPA, NAPFA, and more. In this podcast episode, Jen talks about how to create a life career mission statement, why protecting your time is so essential, and so much more. She’s a woman of strategy, systems, and execution with a passion to help more consumers reach financial freedom. Be sure to listen to the full episode!Join the conversation to hear about:Changes in technology since the start of COVID (06:10)Shifting toward permanent acceptance of a virtual business model (10:15)Why Jennifer chose to scale back her business (15:00)Why it’s easier to make choices if you have a vision for the future (20:55)The end of the “Yes” person (27:50)Transforming the people within the business (32:25)How to create a life career mission statement (36:50)What consulting with Jen looks like (39:10)Why protecting your time is so essential (45:10)Jen tells us about what it was like to create her educational courses (47:30)How to get in touch with Jennifer (54:00)What Jen’s superpower is! (58:00)Referenced MaterialsJennifer Goldman CFP® ConsultingJennifer Goldman CFP® - LinkedInJennifer Goldman CFP® - TwitterJennifer Goldman CFP® Business Operations Online Courses "The Challenger Sale: Take Control of the Customer Conversation" by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson, Book on Amazon #FASuccess Ep 092: Taking More Vacation Time By Standardizing Workflows And Processes In Your Advisor CRM with Jennifer Goldman

In this episode of the Lippert Academy for Leadership Podcast, Jen Snyder, a leadership development director at Lippert Components, returns to talk with Dr. Amber Selking. Jen is here to discuss how leaders can continue to lead during this busy and challenging time with the three Cs: connect the dots, communicate well and care for our people. She explains how to connect the dots by mapping out how to reach the end goal on step, or dot, at a time. You’ll also learn how to communicate well with your team as Jen shares how to ensure everyone is hearing the same message towards the same goal. She also talks about why it’s important to check in on your people and to make sure they are all in a good head space. Listen in to take part in a Higher Performance Leadership Training Challenge, where Dr. Amber Selking urges you to reach out to a few people you may not have the best relationship with and connect with them on a deeper level. “It’s in the absence of communication that you make your own reality.” -Jen [10:03] What You Will Learn: [3:35] What Jen is currently seeing in the business landscape[4:17] The three Cs to help lead effectively through these busy, challenging times[4:59] To connect the dots… Map it out[9:28] Communication the message… Make sure everyone is hearing the same thing.[11:59] Communication is a bridge builder[13:17] Look at the metric board… What story is it telling?[15:45] Why you should check in on your people and how CEO Jason Lippert does a great job on this[22:56] Higher-Performance Leadership Training Challenge: Write down 3 to 5 names of people you don’t know or have the best relationship with. Throughout the course of that week, seek them out. Connect with them on a deeper level and see where they want to go.[25:39] Reach out to us to collaborate!  Resources: Visit our website: https://www.lci1.com/academy Email us: academy@lci1.com 

“Life is here to be lived and it’s meant to be humorous.” – Jen Gaudet   Today’s featured international bestselling author is speaker and life strategist, Jen Gaudet. Jen and I have a fun conversation about setting boundaries, saying “no” from a place of love and tons more! This is one episode that you don’t want to miss!   Key Thing’s You’ll Learn: Why work/life balance doesn’t exist, especially now. Why saying “no” is not rejecting someone. The meaning behind Jen’s coffee mug collection. :)  Why saying yes too much to the wrong thing leaves you empty. What success means to Jen. What can truly bring you joy. How to say no from a place of love. What Jen does to “secretly” manage her energy.  :)    Jen’s Site: https://jengaudetcoaching.com/ Jen’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Over-My-Dead-Body-Boundaries/dp/1689832444/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1570039337&sr=8-1   The opening track is titled, "Don't You" from The Solar Mixtape by Asis Galvin. Be sure to capture this beat by clicking this link. https://asisgalvin.bandcamp.com/track/dont-you    Related Episodes: 42 - "Courage" with Christie Lindor (@MuseMece): http://goingnorth.libsyn.com/42-courage-with-christie-lindor-musemece   109 - "30 Days to Me" with Lynn Reilly: https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/109-30-days-to-me-with-lynn-reilly   187 - "It's the Bottom Line That Matters" with Jennifer Glass (@thejennglass): https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/187-its-the-bottom-line-that-matters-with-jennifer-glass-thejennglass   211 – “Tough Conversations” with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/211-tough-conversations-with-david-wood-_playforreal   216 – “The Write Way” with Amy Collins (@NewShelvesBooks): https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-newshelvesbooks   262 – “Live Inspired” with Laura Staley (@laura_cherish): https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/262-live-inspired-with-laura-staley-laura_cherish   263 – “The Power of a Peaceful Woman” with Jennifer Forster: https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/263-the-power-of-a-peaceful-woman-with-jennifer-forster   269 – “Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free” with Nancy Levin (@nancylevin): https://goingnorth.libsyn.com/269-setting-boundaries-will-set-you-free-with-nancy-levin-nancylevin

Jen Widerstrom began as a fitness model, and quickly made the transition into instructing group fitness. Jen has had a TV career that began on American Gladiator and culminated in three seasons as a trainer on The Biggest Loser. She has made appearances on Conan, Live with Kelley & Ryan, and Dr. Oz. Jen is currently the fitness director for SHAPE magazine. As a coach, Jen believes that your beliefs shift your biology. Whatever you’re processing upstairs as your loudest voice will be physically processed through your bones to your skin. Real change begins when you recognize that YOU have the answers within you to change your life. In this episode, Jen and I discuss: - Leading to serve others - Transformations that transcend physical changes - Understanding your WHY - Comparison in the fitness world - Tipping points and the process it takes to get there - The fact that there is no arrival point - Continuous growth & learning - Her experiences on TV - Staying true to yourself and knowing who you are - Facing your own problems and challenges - My experience being in a magazine - What Jen attributes her success to Learn more about Jen and her programs: widerstrong.com Find Jen on Instagram: @jenwiderstrom

How do your words reflect your truth? Are you in alignment with what you really feel? In this podcast episode, Jen shares her thoughts when it comes to speaking your truth and sharing it with others. We get to know how she aligns herself with her truth before she shares it with others. She also shares how acknowledging the shadows and the painful experience can also be used to empower others. Listen in and discover how you can truly embody your truth and share it with the world.   Key Points to Learn: The power of integrity of your words and taking action. How to recognize when we are out of alignment with our truth. How to recognize when we are speaking out of alignment. Discovering your own truth in your words. Show Notes: (0:30) Jen's intention and what she notices in speaking your truth. (3:45) What Jen asks before she speaks and shares her words to others, and does her inner work. (5:10) When are we speaking out of alignment? (7:00) The difference being in a place proving something and a place of knowing something. (9:10) Jen's invitation on how to assess and notice our emotions before we speak. (11:58) Jen's invitation to lean into the shadows and share painful experiences in an empowering way. (13:30) What we may feel in trying to figure out your truth and seeing the value of others.   Quotes: (0:43) “Those who embody their truth, don't have to speak or convince others. When there's integrity in your word, you already are that truth.” (4:25) “Take radical responsibility for yourself before you choose to speak.” (6:06) “It is our responsibility to speak in a way of being conscious on how what we say lands for other people.” (7:03) “There's a difference in delivering the message from a place of proving something and a place of knowing something. The embodiment is the place of knowing.” (10:03) “Our disconnect with our emotions has led us to a place where we struggle to communicate effectively with others.” (14:28) “If we follow our heart and we stay in alignment, the result is a win-win situation and we see the value in how other people are different from us.” (15:42) “Everything that we need is already within us. When we choose to embody that then we feel and know that we already are everything that we need to be.”   Links Mentioned:  Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embodiedhealingandempoweredliving/   PODCAST DISCLAIMER: This podcast is to educate, inside, and inform the listeners of various pathways to wholistic well being.  This information is not to replace the advise of your physician, specialist, medical doctor, therapist, nutritionist or dietician. Please refer to full Medical Disclaimer Here.

Jen’s story bringing Logan and Wyatt into the world. Jen has been a support to be on here since I since my time on this app started. Both living away from home and raising a family we connected in our DM’s. Later connected further by grief and loss. Something that struck me when we were chatting about her being on the podcast. Since sadly being widowed, suddenly and tragically around 11 months ago. Jen feels she is the keeper of her family stories and son’s birth stories, in particular, something I wouldn’t have thought about. And I am lucky enough not to have to. Thank you, Jen, for your open and honest dialogue on the reality you face daily without your husband Warren. Thank you for sharing all aspects of it with us and your gorgeous boys, their stories and for showing us the true strength it takes to keep going… in a pandemic no less! You are a badass!! As I write this, its mother’s day here in Canada, and again I remember what a hard day it is for those widowed and how forgotten that narrative is on days like these. What Jen has to say- “Both my births were pretty traumatic and nothing like I expected them to be. Because of that I feel compelled to share about them, not to scare expectant mothers but to know it all going sideways, no matter how you plan is completely normal. And with my husband's death, it is also important to me to have a record of that time when it was just the two of us working together to bring our boys into the world.” Happy listening

Sponsors:Current: A mobile bank with an awesome user interface, no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. If you’re looking for another bank account to hold your emergency fund or something big you’re saving for, try Current because we’re giving $10 to the first 10 people who sign up using our promo code FRUGALFRIENDS for each episode. Reruns: here to remind us of the days when we couldn’t actually choose what we watched. Before the days of netflix and hulu there was “basic cable” - come come, gather round the fire while I tell you about ancient days when a television (these were like phones, tablets, and laptops only with large protrusions off the back filled with stuff that can never be thrown away)...a television... had access to approximately 3 ‘channels’ with 1 show playing non-stop. The likelihood of seeing the same episode of the same show more than once was 2,000%. Oh it was fun and it was awful all at once, but we didn’t know any different - we called them reruns - and we ate our hot dogs and mac and cheese in blissful ignorance while the 5th airing of Family Matters ‘good cop, bad cop’ episode played. Reruns - it’s what’s about to happen to you, so grab a hot dog and settle in.Notable Notes:1: 4 Pillars - Categories to anticipate with Frugal Friends podcast episodesClothing/ShoppingBills/UtilitiesTransportationHousingWhat the internet has to say2: Frugalwoods ArticleMrs. Frugalwoods (a.k.a. Liz Thames) identifies 19 reasons why frugality is the best - and the frugal friends agree!What Jen and Jill have to say:Frugality helps you identify your true prioritiesFrugality builds communityFrugality means you'll never be boredFrugality leads to gratitude and joy3: Millennial Money ArticleGrant went from a frugal guy who amassed $1M to flippantly spending over $200K in one year. In short; the spending didn’t make him feel better.What Jen and Jill have to say:Frugality is about spending wiselyFrugality is about the journey, not the destinationIt is never too late to 'course correct'4: BILL OF THE WEEK Introduction of the most anticipated, interactive segment!Leave us a voicemail with your BILL OF THE WEEK at frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill5: Tenets of Frugality The Law of Diminishing Returns (i.e. at some point you're wasting your time)Frugality allows you to discover what you truly value ( i.e. if frugality keeps you from what you love it’s cheapness)Frugality is good for the environment (i.e. you can’t buy your way to green)Frugality refines your taste and style (i.e. you can have better things when you buy used and you’ll eventually stop buying those souvenir t-shirts you’ll never wear)Frugality allows you more time to increase your income (i.e. the best way to not spend money is to spend time making it!)Frugality will not make you rich (i.e. sorry, not sorry)Wrap-Up:Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!Thanks for listening! See you next week!

Meet Jen Reid, a financial coach and money expert who began her financial journey 6 years ago. She shares how her own inability to manage finances gave her the urge to know more about money and help others. In this episode of Balance with Sam Podcast, Jen takes us through her journey from a background of limiting beliefs about money to wanting to know everything about it. Listen in to learn the importance of budgeting and prioritizing your goals to make better use of what you’re making. You will also learn some questions that you should be asking when looking around for a financial advisor. “Today is the best day to start”- Jen Reid. Top Takeaways: Helping people understand the subject of money by eliminating unhelpful jargon. The importance of normalizing money conversations. Understanding the importance of budgeting and prioritizing goals. How to deal with the scarcity mindset. Learning what you enjoy and putting money aside for it. Understanding how to manage money by writing down monthly expenses. The importance of having a financial advisor to keep tabs on you when overspending. Key Moments: [1:30] Jen shares her story on how she began her financial journey when she couldn’t manage her finances. [4:35] Why she wanted to be a client-based financial advisor. [6:59] What is the importance of normalizing money conversations- the approach Jen uses with her clients. [9:24] The limiting money beliefs that came from her background. [10:55] How to find consistency with money by understanding the importance of budgeting. [15:15] The learning process of prioritizing your goals and figuring what works out for you. [17:06] Dealing with the scarcity mindset and the major questions you should be asking yourself when in this situation. [21:19] How to put a working system when money relates to what you enjoy doing. [23:30] How Jen stopped being materialistic and started understanding her goals and priorities. [25:55] Jen shares her struggle of going back and forth on a need and the pain of foregoing something else that might be more important. [27:35] Why writing down expenses and having a plan at the start of the month is a place to start with money management [34:35] Jen shares her non-guilty money managing plan. [36:15] The importance of having a financial coach when overspending. [41:26] What recommendations would Jen give to someone who needs to make an impact with their bank account? [43:53] The questions you should be asking when looking around for a financial advisor. [46:01] What Jen is doing to teach college students about money managing. [49:03] What legacy would Jen like to leave behind? Relevant Links: Website: https://www.baseplanning.co/ Get Connected and Supported by Sam: Apply to the Balance and Shine Group Coaching Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdceYAOh_W72v-u--SAiuc_OiCig0LXSn1GLDl7AlC8S6C8w/viewform Join the Fit and Free Membership ($28/mo): www.fitandfreeforlife.com Instagram for Free Content: www.instagram.com/saltylifts Facebook Support Group: www.facebook.com/groups/fitandfreelife --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Did you know that over 67% of second marriages (and 74% of third marriages) end in divorce? (yikes). How would you like it if I could show you exactly the steps you need to take so that you don’t wind up as a statistic? If you want to become the happiest stepmom you know -- without needing to leave your marriage to find happiness, then I’m inviting you to join me in a free, online training that i’m hosting. To get on the waitlist, you can go to: bit.ly/happystepmom (bit.ly/happystepmom) During this training, I’m going to show you: A next-level mindset shift that instantly made me happier, no matter how much shhh was hitting the fan in my stepfamily. If you’re listening to this podcast, that probably means that you want to feel valued, respected, peaceful, and confident as a stepmom. Learning this mindset shift is so crucial to making that happen for you. I’ll also show you the exact process I personally used to save my marriage (and my sanity), that didn’t involve becoming a doormat in my house, Facebook stalking my husband’s ex-wife, or resenting my stepson. (The best part -- it also didn’t involve leaving my house to drive downtown to my therapist’s office.) And finally, a feeling that’s worth more than 1) and 2) combined -- and that’s having peace of mind as a second wife and stepmom. Even better still is actually enjoying my home life again, because the way I was (barely) surviving before following this process made me feel frustrated, desperate, and embarrassed while I spiralled toward divorce. This free, online training is happening really soon, and seats are limited so make sure to get on the waitlist ASAP. To get on the waitlist, head to bit.ly/happystepmom or, tap here (http://bit.ly/happystepmom) -- In today's episode, I interview Jen Stillion, who is a stepmom of 12 years. Jen has an extremely powerful story, as she has overcome some seriously dark days along her stepfamily journey. Jen's stepdaughter was diagnosed with a severe mental illness, leading to multiple suicide attempts and years spent being cared for in institutions. In this episode: At 5:20 - Jen reflects on what she thought her life would be like as a stepmom versus how it actually turned out. At 7:00 - The experience as a stepmom when your stepchild displays behaviours of mental illness At 9:00 - Fantasy versus Reality... At 9:38 - Jen reflects on what it meant to her to "lose her voice" At 11:50 - How Jen developed PTSD from her stepfamily experiences, and the "numbing" behaviours she engaged in. At 13:00 - Jen's "rock bottom" At 13:30 - When therapy became "not enough" At 15:40 - How Jen started implementing tools and techniques to get herself well, and to find light in the darkness. At 17:00 - The secret that all happy stepmoms have learned to be happy... At 19:22 - How Jen explored an avenue other than therapy in order to recover from her "rock bottom." At 21:12 - The simple movement Jen began to engage in that got her out of her head and into her heart. At 25:00 - How to become the woman who has it all, and not just on the outside. At 26:00 - The key to everything you want in life. At 29:56 - The truth about people pleasing. At 32:00 - Jen reflects on how she's learned to empower women using DANCE. At 34:00 - How to receive an instant download of joy - anywhere, anytime. At 36:00 - "It doesn't matter how old you are; you still love unicorns and rainbows." At 36:53 - Message from the future... What Jen would have told herself 12 years ago. Connect with Jen Stillion on Instagram (www.instagram.com/jenstillion) Connect with your host, Brittany Lynch, on Instagram (www.instagram.com/thestepqueen)

Work travel is often challenging, but one benefit of it is going to conferences is that I have the opportunity to chat with writers who don't often come to Nashville. During the Super Bowl last week, Dave and I sat down to chat with Jen Wilkin, who is one of the best theologically-minded writers I know and a whole lot of fun to hang out with. Listen in as we discuss: What Jen really thinks about Super Bowl Sunday Jen's sci-fi street cred What recommending a book can mean What happened when I (Aaron) watched Les Miserables Why classic (serialized) novels might need to be edited for modern readers What more theologically-minded Christians need to keep in mind about reading What might motivate someone to write a memoir Reading while writing a Bible study All as we listen to smooth jazz and shouts of excitement about whatever's going on in the Super Bowl from the Hilton in downtown Minneapolis. This episode is sponsored by Gospel-Centered Discipleship. On April 13th, GCD will host their 2020 Writer's Intensive in Louisville KY (right before T4G) featuring Ronnie Martin, Jonathan Dodson and Jared C. Wilson. Learn more and register at gcdiscipleship.com. A few of the books we mentioned on this episode: None Like Him, In His Image, Women of the Word, and Better: A Study of Hebrews by Jen Wilkin The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Great Expectations by Charles Dickens The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett (book one of the Lymond Chronicles) The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Shakespeare Wrote for Money by Nick Hornby This Tender Land and Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger Sharing and supporting the show Leave a five-star rating and review of the show on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to the show. Give us a follow on Twitter at @MalContentsPod Be sure to use the Amazon affiliate links above to help us pay for the costs of producing and hosting the show. Interested in sponsoring Table of (mal)Contents? Let's talk via email or DM @malContentsPod on Twitter.

“You are a victim of the rules you live by.” -Jen Sincero One of the most controversial topics in our society today is around: Money. In certain cultures, it’s more taboo than sex, religion, or politics. The mission of this podcast is to have an honest conversation about vital topics that aren’t being talked about in the traditional media to reach your full potential. And that often means getting uncomfortable. This episode about money and limiting beliefs is no different. Our guest today is Jen Sincero, who’s the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. The book has sold over a million copies and is available in over twenty languages, as it only garners more popularity around the globe. In this episode, we talk about why money is such a taboo topic in our society, how to reverse the limiting beliefs about money that we’ve been taught (most of us at an early age), an inside look at the controversial ‘life coaching’ industry, and much more. Hope you enjoy this conversation with Jen. Highlights of the Episode The limiting beliefs we’ve been taught about money and wealth (including what our parents taught us) Why money is such a taboo topic in today’s society How Jen shifted (and reversed) her limiting beliefs about money and what it means to her Why being uncomfortable is the key to changing your financial life Instead of saying ‘I couldn’t afford it’, ‘I’m going to figure out how’ How hiring a business coach changed the outlook of Jen’s financial path What Jen’s life coach helped Jen with that she wasn’t doing before (and the one exercise Jen recommends you do immediately) How do you distinguish from a credible coach that can truly make an impact versus someone that’s not experienced How to talk about money with your closest friends and family members Curating a more supportive circle of people that is aligned with your vision and more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/growth-minds/support

Jen’s story, bringing Mighty Jack into the world… What Jen has to say about her experience… ”You'll need to bring your son to SickKids in the next hour." Those were the words I heard on the phone on March 7, 2018, while holding my 18-day old son as he slept in my arms. The last thing a family rushing off to The Hospital for Sick Children is thinking about is grabbing a camera to take photos. But that's precisely what I did when I frantically packed to get to SickKids after I received that call. The week before this, my son had worn a heart Holter for 24 hours, a device that measures a person's heart rate. The results of that Holter are what prompted the phone call and the urgency to get to SickKids. The week before that he entered the world with the biggest bang that none of us could have expected. I knew there were more issues with my son's heart than we initially thought, even after evidence in utero and hours post-birth. My mama intuition was finally validated. I cried because I had wanted to speak up when we heard it in utero for a couple of seconds, but tried to be a "good pregnant woman" and let the experts do their job. I cried because post-birth I was in such a fog from both an exhaustingly long and traumatic labour and birth and couldn't advocate more for my son - something I learned in hindsight. I cried because his paperwork was lost between hospitals, and we waited far too long to get this information. My son, nicknamed Mighty Jack was resting at 300 beats per minute (bpm) when we arrived at SickKids… A normal heart rate for a newborn is 120-160 bpm. When Jack was 18 days old we were admitted to the inpatient 4D cardiac ward at Sick Kids and spent 4 days monitoring my son on beta-blockers for his congenital heart disease (CHD). My experience becoming a Mother was NOT what I anticipated in any way shape or form. I've grieved the birth into Motherhood I didn't have. It's still tender and still something I'm working on. But from that experience and our time at SickKids, something else was born. @projectmightyhearts was born from trauma. We provide free, compassionate and authentic photography sessions that document the raw experiences of families whose children have CHD's. For every session sold through Jen Allison Photography, one is gifted to a heart family through Project Mighty Hearts. Life doesn't just happen in a photography studio, with perfectly posed infants and colour coordinated outfits. Life happens in the mundane, the magical, and amid struggle. Life happens in hospital rooms, and that life deserves to be documented too. -Jen. For so many, talking about birth stories is so difficult. Trauma is relative to how we feel and I am amazed by how many women are affected by such feelings. All the more reason why listening and being a witness to the stories being told it so important. Thanks Jen for sharing your story with us. I know it wasn’t easy and I thank you for having the courage. To follow more of what Jen is up to go her Instagram @jenallisonphoto and of course, go give @projectmightyhearts some love. Happy listening

Today's guest, coaching expert, wellness guru and connection superstar, Jen Gottlieb, understands just how to connect with the people we need in order to continue on our path to expansion. Jen Gottlieb is the Co-Founder and Chief Mindset Officer at Super Connector Media. Jen's plethora of experience in health and wellness coaching, 14-season run as co-host on VH1 and a Broadway national tour, has naturally led into her role as host of Unfair Advantage Live, the world's premier publicity event connecting entrepreneurs to the media. Under the Unfair Advantage Accelerator program, Jen supports and works with entrepreneurs to elevate a personal mindset into achieving goals beyond their expectations. Prior to Co-Founding Super Connector Media, Jen used the media to build a multi 6 figure coaching business in the health and wellness space. Drawing on her vast media network and successful background in television, Jen has become an influencer in the mindset community. In this episode, Jen dives deep below the surface and explains why media matters, how to get our businesses to the masses, and the most impactful ways to grow our bottom lines. In this Episode You'll Learn:  All about today's guest, Jen Gottlieb [ 0:45 ] How Jen and I connected [ 5:00 ] How Jen learned to trust herself [ 7:20 ] Ways we can unlock our skills [ 12:15 ] About Jen's partner, Chris Winfield [ 15:30 ] How to navigate working with our partners [ 20:15 ] Ways to find the resources for growth [ 24:15 ] How to claim your expert status [ 27:00 ] Which stories we need to keep telling [ 30:00 ] About Jen's biggest inspirations [ 36:10 ] What Jen would tell a former version of herself [ 42:50 ] Soul Shifting Quotes:  “I have imposter syndrome every single day.” “I was finally ready to meet my partner.” “Trust and take action every day.” “We have a responsibility to be visible to our audience.” “Our mess is our message.” Links Mentioned:  Learn my 7 Secrets to Uplevel Your Brand & Land Your Dream Clients  Grab your FREE training, How to Call in Your Tribe + Create Content that Converts    Learn more about Jen at her website: https://jengottlieb.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram: @jen_gottlieb Twitter: @JenniferLeahG Facebook: @Jenleahgottlieb Tag me in your big shifts + takeaways: @amberlilyestrom    Did you hear something you loved here today?! Leave a Review + Subscribe via iTunes  Listen on Spotify 

Are you ready to re-write your story, find your truth and create what you want for your life? Ie. are you ready to be a badass? On the show this week, I talk to Jen Sincero, author of You Are a Badass, and featured speaker at the SCORE Women’s Conference in Santa Fe, NM on September 25th. On the show you’ll learn: – How Jen became a success coach when she herself was a “trainwreck” – Which causes Jen is focusing her philanthropic work on – What Jen thinks makes a good leader Make sure to stay tuned to the end of the show for the books Jen is currently reading, and the causes that are near and dear to her heart! We are also giving away a ticket to the SCORE event to hear Jen speak. Learn more at http://wellwomanlife.com/177show (wellwomanlife.com/177show). http://wellwomanlife.com/giveaway (Click here to win tickets to the SCORE Santa Fe event.) The first annual SCORE women's conference: Power Up – Changing the Game for Women in Business is for women entrepreneurs to come together to engage, inform and inspire and leave recharged and connected to others. The event focuses on how unique each entrepreneur is, but also the importance of success not only for the individual but for their families, communities and the economy as well. https://santafe.score.org/score-womens-conference (Find out more about the event here) Grab Jen’s Books: https://amzn.to/2N9bCBL (You are a Badass) https://amzn.to/2Q41D34 (You are a Badass at Making Money) https://amzn.to/2QdVeCe (You are a Badass Everyday) The books Jen is reading: https://amzn.to/2I057xb (The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates) https://amzn.to/2I0JSey (The Overlook (Harry Bosch) by Michael Connelly) For more about Jen’s philanthropic work, check out https://www.nowsantafe.org/ (https://www.nowsantafe.org/)   You can also continue the conversation in the Well Woman Life community group at http://wellwomanlife.com/facebook (wellwomanlife.com/facebook) Whether you're just starting your journey or you've been on it for months or even years, the Well Woman Jumpstart is a great place to begin. Jumpstart your Well Woman Life at http://wellwomanlife.com/jumpstart (wellwomanlife.com/jumpstart) The Well Woman Show is thankful for the support from Natural Awakenings Magazine in New Mexico and High Desert Yoga in Albuquerque https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwellwomanlife.com%2F177show%2F&linkname=177%20Re-Write%20Your%20Truth%20with%20Jen%20Sincero%2C%20You%20Are%20a%20Badass ()https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwellwomanlife.com%2F177show%2F&linkname=177%20Re-Write%20Your%20Truth%20with%20Jen%20Sincero%2C%20You%20Are%20a%20Badass ()https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwellwomanlife.com%2F177show%2F&title=177%20Re-Write%20Your%20Truth%20with%20Jen%20Sincero%2C%20You%20Are%20a%20Badass () The post https://wellwomanlife.com/177show/ (177 Re-Write Your Truth with Jen Sincero, You Are a Badass) appeared first on https://wellwomanlife.com (Well Woman Life). Support this podcast

As you’ve heard me say many times, entrepreneurship is an inside job. Often the key to getting unstuck is the ability to change our perspective, and my guest today is going to show us how we can start doing right now. Jen Casey is a business strategy coach and master NLP practitioner from NYC, as well as the host of the top-rated The Inner Boss Podcast. I’m so excited to bring her to you to share the powerful art of reframing - and much, much more! Are you ready to create your Business by Design this year? Be the first in line when the program opens by joining the waiting list! If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me and Jen, @jameswedmore and @heyjencasey. Haven’t left a review yet? I want to incentivize you to do so! One of the best ways to get the word out about this podcast is to get more ratings and reviews, so my team and I have set a goal of getting 1,200 of them on Apple Podcasts by July 29th (at the time of recording this episode we’re just shy of 700 ratings and reviews). All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/itunes, submit a rating and review and email a screenshot to Rose at customersuccess@jameswedmore.com. You’ll get an instant direct link to my mini training program all about the 8 blocks that are holding real entrepreneurs like you back. Once we hit 1,200 ratings and reviews, we’re going to do a raffle where one lucky winner gets the grand prize: a set of Apple Air Pods, a year supply of the 90x Goal Planners, and a set of our famous “Business Angel Affirmation Cards.” If you’ve already submitted a rating and review, don’t worry! Just go to Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot and send it to the email above, and you’re entered to win too. Good luck! Don’t forget to check out my new segment on Instagram called “Coaching Over Coffee” happening each Tuesday morning! Our virtual two-day workshop “Nail Your Niche” is happening! For more details visit http://businessbydesign.net/niche. I want to invite you to help contribute to this podcast by submitting a question for the Listener Question of the Week edition of The Mind Your Business Podcast. All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/QA and record a question (under 4 minutes or less) that could be featured on an upcoming episode! In the episode you’ll hear: How Jen got her start in the personal development space, and the one big she says literally changed everything for her The way she gained confidence and realized it can be turned into a habit How Jen has battled imposter syndrome along her journey Why she says that having confusion is actually a good thing, and what reframing our challenges will eventually lead to The biggest mistakes and pitfalls she sees her clients facing today What really separates successful entrepreneurs, and her process for getting “unstuck” How the need to be liked is holding us back in more ways than we can even imagine Making more money and impact doesn’t have to require more of your time What Jen does to use the Law of Attraction and manifestation in her life The events that really allowed her to step out in her business, and why she’s now focusing on “magnetic leadership” For full show notes and links, visit: http://mindyourbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/274 

It’s not always easy to maintain high-quality standards, especially when you want to sell organic, sustainable, and made-in-the-USA products. Costs get high and sometimes that means concessions have to be made. But sticking to your guns can lead to major payoff, especially when your customers have your back. Today we chat with Jen and Kevin Long of Noble Carriage, who share the amazing story of how they built their dream company selling organic and sustainable baby clothes. They share how they built and nurtured a supportive community, how this community helped them in the creation and launch of their own products, their challenging product sourcing journey, and how they’ve stood by their strict sustainability standards along the way. Enjoy! Episode Highlights: 3:23 A game changer quick win tip on A/B testing. 8:35 How the search for safe and sustainable baby clothes led to the creation of Noble Carriage. 10:26 How Noble Carriage engages with its online community of moms in a way that provides support and establishes trust. 15:05 The importance of slowing down and examining your profit margins when evaluating your business and your ability to scale.  18:39 What Jen and Kevin would have done differently in the growth of their business and why it’s so important not to get stuck living in the grind. 21:26 One of Kevin’s big lessons: If you’re going to fail, fail fast. 23:04 The value of understanding their audience before creating and launching their own products. 26:59 The challenging journey of sourcing organic and sustainable baby clothes. 31:09 The role of Noble Carriage’s community in their successful product development and launch. 33:08 How Noble Carriage marketed their new product across multiple channels.  35:03 What’s working with email for Noble Carriage. 37:17 Jen’s plans for expanding their ambassador program. 40:51 Some exciting new Noble Carriage products coming later this year to Noble Carriage that people must watch out for and when these will be released. Links and Resources: Noble Carriage Noble Carriage on Instagram: @noblecarriage Episode 149: The Art Of Doing Less But Better W/ Greg McKeown [Part 1] Episode 150: The Art Of Doing Less But Better W/ Greg McKeown [Part 2] Ecommerce Profit Summit (formerly the Brand Growth Experts Intensive) Foxwell Digital Brand Growth Experts Join the Coalition If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, I have something really exciting for you. For the last year and a half I’ve been coaching business owners and marketers inside a group called The Coalition. What launched as an experiment became a game changer for our over 150 members. If you’d like me and my team of expert marketers and ecommerce operators to coach you on your journey to scaling up your ecommerce business, this is your opportunity. We go in-depth on all the topics we talk about on this podcast and provide actionable training every single month. You’ll also get one-on-one coaching from me to help you grow your business. Head over to JointheCoalition.com to learn more. Can’t wait to see you inside.

Sponsors: Master Your Money Super Bundle: This one’s not a sponsor but an amazing deal and every purchase supports the show. The Master Your Money Super Bundle is a collection of 45 courses, ebooks, printables and videos to help you do better in all areas of your money. Whether that’s budgeting, paying off debt, investing, making more money, whatever. The bundle has over $1200 worth of resources in it but you can get it for only $49.97 when you visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/masteryourmoney Friendship: That’s right - it’s friendship that brings you this podcast today. Obviously. Because friends are the ones you can laugh with, get angry with (as in alongside :)), make bracelets with, start podcasts with, and so much more! Friendship leads to so many great things - try it today! Friendship; the best kind of ship. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Living Well Spending Less gives tips on how to maintain friendships while becoming debt free! What Jen and Jill have to say: Refine how you spend time with others. Good rule of thumb: “If a night out on the town for the two of you costs more than the GDP of a small country, it’s time to scale back your quality time.” Have a heart-to-heart - explain your goals to your friends and how this may impact relationship and make suggestions for how to spend quality time together going forward! Make hard decisions. We like this quote: “You should never kick a friend to the curb over money. However, if you are tempted to overspend or go into debt merely by having a relationship with someone else, you may want to identify whether or not you’re allowing a friend to have too much power over your finances and life.” More from the Internet: This article from Our Next Life takes a different look on this topic and discusses how to build a frugal community, and make new friends based on the common ground of frugality! More from Jen and Jill: We like the tip to look for thematically appropriate meet-ups Send signals through your actions - by living frugally you will most likely attract like-minded individuals BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Amarylis for sharing your bill with us! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round We thought it was important to offer four ways to lose friends and make enemies! 1. Assume they don’t care about their finances - don’t ask them, just assume that because they spend money, it’s not because they feel overwhelmed by their finances, but rather they just don’t care 2. Shame them when they make a purchase you don’t approve of - don’t consider you probably would have made the same purchase several weeks ago, just let everyone know you wouldn’t do it now. 3. Talk only about Dave Ramsey - seriously, only topics from the latest radio show, book, Financial Peace University class, that’s it. Occasionally you can mention Rachel Cruz or Chris Hogan but don’t go crazy. 4. Only advertise your successes - Did you bust your budget? Did an unexpected expense cut your student loan payment? DON’T TELL ANYONE. Only post on social media about how well you’re doing and that God is obviously smiling on you because of your choice to become financially secure Frugal Friends Book Club: We’re finishing up The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist for book club! If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See you next week!

We have been your Frugal Friends for one whole year now (ahh!) and what better way to celebrate than to talk about YARD SALES!? It's one of our favorite topics AND activities, and today we're talking about how to make the most of your 'yard-saling' (that's right we made it a verb) experience! Whether you are going to yard sales, or hosting a yard sale, we've got some good tips for you! Sponsors: Master Your Money Super Bundle: This one’s not a sponsor but an amazing deal and every purchase supports the show. It’s called The Master Your Money Super Bundle. It’s a collection of 45 courses, ebooks, printables and videos to help you do better in all areas of your money. Whether that’s budgeting, paying off debt, investing, making more money, whatever. The bundle has over $1200 worth of resources in it but you can get it for only $49.97 when you visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/masteryourmoney Yellow Posters: They grab our attention and remind us of sunshine - and this time of year they are popping up everywhere - declaring their sweet messages of yard sales, estate sales, multi-family garage sales, and more! So follow those glorious black arrows on those amazingly durable yellow posters and snag yourselves some discounted decor, kitchenware, clothing and more! Yellow posters: alerting us to treasures everywhere! Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article/website over at Yard Sale Queen, is a gem in and of itself! It's comic sans font all the way, but it's pages and pages of yard sale tips and tricks you never would have considered, but will be glad to know!! What Jen and Jill have to say: WE LOVE ALL THE TIPS, Including: Ways to find yard sales (local paper, google 'yard sale + zip code', social media, etc) Ways to prepare for a yard sale; this woman is legit! wear the right shoes, sunblock, hat, sunglasses. Basically, just come prepared for anything! Ways to copy info instead of cutting up newspaper - use tape and gently transfer the ink from paper by rubbing tape on it, peeling up the tape, and sticking to white paper (similar to what we used to do with silly putty on newspapers back in the day :)) Things to keep in your car: tape measure, ratchet straps, extra batteries, sturdy bags, hand sanitizer, box for treasures in car More from the Internet: This article from Money Talks News provides 15 tips for hosting a great yard sale. If you are looking to clean out your house, and sell off your stuff, definitely check out this article for guidance! More from Jen and Jill: Start early - folks will want to show up around 7/8am Know the rules - some townships require yard sale permits - don't get fined! Advertise well - Use big posters and larger letters than you initially think! Price items - people may walk away if they can't find a price or can't find you! Make it Easy - lift items off the ground as much as possible Don't blow your profits! Have a plan for the money you make BILL OF THE WEEK - Sarah - Thank you SO much for sharing your bill! So thoughtful, insightful, and encouraging! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round Our facebook community's tips on yard sales: Brooke says don’t go unless you actually need something or have time to fix something up. Lauren says map it out! Know the neighborhoods you want to go to and make your route around it. Elizabeth says bring a notebook with measurements of things you need, and we would add bring your own tape measure. Jocelyn says bring 1’s like you’re at the strip club...thanks Jocelyn! 1 year recap Our favorite things of being Frugal Friends: Our Community :) It's gratifying AND fun Interviews: Top 10 - Modifying Dave Ramsey Baby Steps to Pay Off Debt with Merilee from Easy Budget Couponing for Extra Normal People Minimalist Budgeting: Why Frugal People Still Need a Budget, and How to Do Yours Allison from Inspired Budget on Paying off $111,000 of Debt While Having Children Frugal Beauty Tenacity and Frugality it Takes to Pay Off Your Mortgage with Andy Hill How to Use the Marie Kondo Method to Declutter Efficiently and Frugally Personal Finance Basics How a No Spend Challenge Can Help You Be More Frugal Frugality 101 Frugal Friends Book Club It’s April and we’re reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See you next week!

Homesteading is becoming more and more appealing , especially in the world of frugality, but what can be done for those of us who don't sit on property or don't plan to invest in land? Have no fear! Homesteading is not just about having a vegetable garden, it's also a way of life with many practices that can be incorporated even into tiny or urban living situations! Sponsors: Master Your Money Super Bundle: This one’s not a sponsor but an amazing deal and every purchase supports the show. It’s called The Master Your Money Super Bundle. It’s a collection of 45 courses, ebooks, printables and videos to help you do better in all areas of your money. Whether that’s budgeting, paying off debt, investing, making more money, whatever. The bundle has over $1200 worth of resources in it but you can get it for only $47 when you visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/masteryourmoney Living on less than one income: Do you have a spouse who’s income you benefit from? Forgetaboutit! Forget about that extra money and live on less than one income. Are you single and living on just what you make? Live on less than your income! Wondering what to do with all that extra!? Fatten up your emergency fund or contribute more to your 401(k). That way when your job lays off 45 people in one day you won’t be as stressed to lose your income when you’re 30 weeks pregnant. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Lovely Greens gives some simple tips on the 'how-to's' of starting an urban homestead. It's an excellent combo of mindset shifts and tangible practices! What Jen and Jill have to say: Remove yourself from consumerism - this is a thoughtful starting point! Learn the ways of old - don't reinvent the wheel! There's some tried and true practices out there! Be a good steward of the land by practicing the 5 R’s: -REFUSE to buy one-time use plastics and non-recyclable products. -REDUCE the amount you use by becoming a minimalist. -REUSE an item over and over again before recycling. -REPURPOSE by giving a new purpose to old items. Turn that milk jug into a lantern. -RECYLCE all items that have been through the first 4 R’s. Recycling should be the last consideration when making a purchase. Live sustainably and support local economy Share your knowledge - pass on what you've learned! It’s what we do here in our community and it comes with the territory of living a lifestyle worth replicating More from the Internet: This article from My Humble Kitchen gives us 5 frugal strategies for creating an urban homestead. This one makes homesteading feel very attainable in any neighborhood! More from Jen and Jill: Work as a team; this saves both energy and finances when labor is divided up and chances of needing to hire someone are reduced Start small - we can't emphasize this enough! Build up to the level at which you want to be; you will gain knowledge along the way and excitement to do/learn more -Link to a tiered composting planter. There are less expensive options out there, but this is the idea! Upcycle - give things a new purpose AND save cash (the article gives pallet wood, and recycled barrels as examples) Make your own compost soil - reduces amount thrown into the trash and enriches the soil! Save seeds and grow your own starts, this is a money saver AND possibly even a money maker! BILL OF THE WEEK - Chris - thank you for another great bill - we love our repeat callers! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round 3 Things You Can Do Today to Start Homesteading Connect with likeminded people in your community. And get to know your neighbors and local laws regarding homesteading. Start a compost. You literally just need to put food scraps and stuff you can find outside into a sealable container and roll it around every few days. 2:1 green to brown. Bake your own bread. Madeline in our Facebook group does this and said she saves loads of money. But Joel pointed out that it saves LOAVES of money ;) BONUS: listener Ariana wrote a great blog post about how to start an affordable herb garden, check it out here Frugal Friends Book Club: It’s April and we’re reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See you next week!

If you missed Part 1, check it out here: http://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/episode-6-how-to-save-money-on-a-wedding-part-1/ Sponsors ModernFrugality.com: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19 Versatility: Looking around your home wondering why you have all the things and still can’t achieve the efficiency you need? You need stuff with more versatility! Toss that crock pot and get yourself a multipurpose cooker! Stop buying those short-lived rolls of paper towels in bulk and get yourself some all-purpose reusable napkins! And don’t even think about getting a chemical cleaner for something until you’ve tried spraying some vinegar on it. Versatility, make sure the things in your home have it. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Love to Know highlights some ways you can have a great wedding reception on a budget. From unique venue ideas to ways of cutting food costs, there are some great tips to consider here! What Jen and Jill have to say: Some suggestions for less expensive reception venues include a religious hall, backyard, club hall (i.e. VFW, community center, etc.). We would add barns, banquet halls in restaurants since not just country clubs have these, and there can be greater flexibility with catering/bar, etc. Regarding food & drink; cutting out alcohol or serving a limited drink selection will certainly cut costs. Also, consider simple foods like pasta and salad, sandwiches, finger foods, and even a dessert bar Consider not providing favors, or choose an inexpensive option that serves a purpose like Jen who gave sunglasses to all her guests! For entertainment consider asking friends to DJ, do the flowers, etc. AND look for venues that have entertainment built in so a DJ isn't as important. Case in point - Jen had her reception at a shuffleboard court so guests played games more than dancing! For decorations, think simple! white candles and a single flower on each table will do! More from the Internet: This article from Trip Savvy goes into the important stuff, and gives us some great ideas for scoring an affordable honeymoon! More from Jen and Jill: We like the idea of cruises, they are all inclusive and you could even do one for just a few days. There are literally "cruises to nowhere" for 2-3 nights and can provide that carefree getaway at a fraction of the cost. Consider a destination wedding! This provides wedding and honeymoon all in one! Choosing to be married in this way can overall reduce costs; less guests = less expensive, and it's basically 2-for-1 :) Some resorts even provide a basic ‘free wedding’ package for guests staying 3+ nights You could score last minute deals by waiting til the last minute! This is CERTAINLY NOT FOR EVERYONE as this can add stress - but may provide savings, especially if you are not particular about where you go Purchase your honeymoon through a discounter like costco, or check out groupon! Go camping! This too is not for everyone, but could be just the ticket for some outdoorsie folks ;) Keep in mind, honeymoons don't have to be exotic! Consider what's within a 5 hour radius of you and explore a city you have never been! BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Bonnie for sharing your bill with us, we're so excited to hear about your adopted pet hemmy If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round Here are some more tips on frugal receptions and honeymoons from our frugal friends community: Rachel said finding a city building is a lot cheaper than a private venue Christina says sheet cake, cupcakes, and donuts are cheaper than wedding cakes & skip the programs because they just end up in the trash. Emma did the potluck lunch idea! They borrowed sound equipment from their church and used a clubhouse venue that her in-laws got a steep discount at. Jocelyn got giant ice cream cakes for her reception! AND many people said elope :) Frugal Friends Book Club: It’s March and we’re finishing up Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. Thanks for hanging out with us - see you next week!

Frugality pairs nicely with many things, including environmental friendliness! Practicing good stewardship of resources is something us frugal folks have been doing for ages. Whether going 'green' is something you strive for or not, today we dive into how being frugal has some great environmental perks and why us frugal people can feel even more assured in our lifestyle. Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. The Color Green: Anyone can get on board with the color green! It sits right between blue and yellow on the color wheel and its pleasing, it’s earthy, it has the capacity to be bold - and it’s a great color choice in most situations. It represents freshness, sustainability, nature, and MONEY! It also has a lot of other connotations like green thumbs being great at gardening, or a way to describe someone being new to an experience. There’s just so much green has to offer - so don’t be green with envy - instead hit the greens with your pals, even if you’re green at golf - and while you’re at it...make some green! Green - the environmentally friendly and versatile color. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from the frugalwoods gives a comprehensive list (17!) of all the ways frugality and environmentalism go hand in hand. What Jen and Jill have to say: Being frugal leads to a greater level of being environmentally conscious - we are more aware of our consumption and the things we use because of our lifestyle How this looks for the Frugalwoods: -Use less electricity and water -Hang dry clothing (aka less electricity) - AND clothes last longer -Purchase efficient appliances -Drive less -Conserve heat (sealed house, etc) -No AC - granted she lives in VT - acknowledge true need (aka conscientious - being AWARE of decisions) -No food waste -Buy less, need less, want less, spend less, waste less -Buy used -Buy durable -Clean green -Recycle (not throw away if broken) -Cook from scratch -No water bottles -Enjoy beauty -Less chemicals in products (cosmetics etc.) -Grow food, eat local More from the Internet: This article from the The Art of Simple offers tips on ways we can embrace frugality and environmental friendliness with some practices to consider implementing into everyday life. More from Jen and Jill Some practices to consider adding to your frugal lifestyle to create a cleaner, greener environment -Cloth napkins - even reuse at meal times and designate with rings to make sure the same person gets the same napkin -Cloth rags - old t-shirt, towel, etc. -Use back sides of paper -No pre-rinsing dishes -Turn of water -Turn off lights (AND get LED) -Real dishes -Swap clothes -Buy secondhand -Cook from scratch - less trash from prepackaged things -Open windows - no AC -Reuse plastic bags BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Kate from Chicago for talking up your husband Bill! - excellent job working AND going to school! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round - How The Frugal Friends Community Lives Green: -Leah grows a lot of her food -Brittany says Buying used, fixing, or reusing doesn't just save me money, it also keeps stuff out of the landfill. -Erin started buying a lot of her clothes from FB swap, ThredUp, and a local consignment store. She also uses a tiny local health food store with a HUGE inventory of bulk foods, herbs, teas, oils, laundry/cleaning products. You can get better quality when you’re saving money through bulk/ zero-waste options -Brook is getting married this summer and not personalizing any of her signs, etc so they can resell them instead of trashing them! She also uses bamboo towels instead of cotton balls and makeup remover pads. -Allison cloth diapers and they’re getting their second child out of the stash we spent less than $500 on -Katia says buying good quality means it wont break and be thrown in a landfill next year only to be replaced with another cheap version Frugal Friends Book Club It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. Thanks for hanging out with us! See ya next week!

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: This blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Classified ads: Looking to buy something? Check a classifeid ad. These aren’t your grandma’s classifieds. We’re in the digital age: Facebook, OfferUp, Let Go, Craigslist, ebay, you want it? You can find someone sellin' it. Classified ads, check em before you head to the store. Notable Notes: - What the Internet has to say: This article from credit.com provides a list of 12 things you should always negotiate on. From big to small items - we think this one is worth reviewing. - What Jen and Jill have to say: Cars: dealerships EXPECT you to haggle, and buying used cars privately can ALWAYS be negotiated Homes - obviously negotiate on this one Mortgage rate: If you have good credit or can offer a big down payment this is major leverage Rent - negotiate (AND barter!!) Medical bills - this is not always set in stone! Credit card costs: You may be able to get out of the annual or seek forgiveness on a missed payment Home and yard work: Get multiple quotes and compare (although recognize that if one if MUCH lower than the rest this is a red flag!) Cable bill: it can't hurt to haggle a little here! Furniture prices: Paying cash, bundling, etc. can all get you good deals! Insurance rates Collections accounts Used stuff: Another obvious one More from the Internet: This article from riskology gives 5 steps for negotiating lower prices or rates, specifically on bills. From Jen and Jill: Speak friendly and assertively Ask for more than you want, then back down. This shows them you’re willing to give in a little, and creates a climate where they might too! Only negotiate with someone who CAN - lol Always have a back up plan- if you can’t get a lower price, try for better service at the same price point Know when to stop - part of this is knowing what you’re asking for going in, to avoid confusion BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round From the community -Heather says to do industry research to back up your ask & pay for as much upfront -Chris says call the frugal friends to do it for you. We do not endorse that method -John recommends the book Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss -Jocelyn says cash monies :) Frugal Friends Book Club It’s March and we’re reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. See ya next week!

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The shop at Modern Frugality has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff, organize your life, and meal plan efficiently. Visit the shop to see what might work for you at Shop.modernfrugality.com. Also, Frugal Friends listeners get 50% off your purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Science: The internet is glorious and dark place with many great revelations that have eased the pain of living. But it’s also filled with people looking to be heard even if what they’re saying has no merit. Thankfully we have science. It creates hypotheses, verifies claims, debunks myths, and kills unsubstantiated claims. Science, seek it out before you believe everything you read on the internet. Notable Notes: This article from Good Housekeeping gives us the low down on how to use cleaning products and which ones NOT to mix. Yes that's a thing. What Jen and Jill have to say: People often think that if one product works, mixing it with another one will make it even better," but us frugal folk KNOW that more is usually not better :) Here's the ones you shouldn't mix: -Bleach and amonnia -Drain cleaner and drain cleaner - THEY CAN EXPLODE?!? -Baking soda and vinegar (just turns it into diluted salt water) -Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar -Bleach and vinegar -Bleach and rubbing alcohol - makes chloroform! just don’t mix bleach with stuff! -As a general rule, don't mix acids and bases - Here's a great article from The Wirecutter explaining more of the science behind what happens when these products are mixed More from the Internet: This article from Wonder Mom Wannabe gives us a full run down of the essential ingredients for homemade cleaners. These items are low-cost, simple, and work to clean pretty much anything! More from Jen and Jill: DIY essentials: -Baking soda -Coarse salt -Distilled white vinegar (works on grease, soap residue, stains) -Hydrogen peroxide (kills bacteria) - also makes Jill pass out ;) **BILL OF THE WEEK - Thanks for sharing your bill about the mixer you attended for the chamber of congress - Meeting Bill's at networking events sounds fantastic! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill** Lightning Round We wanted to share a few good cleaning supply recipes we like: Non-Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner from keeperofthehome.org 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon castile soap, 3-5 drops tea tree oil, Fill spray bottle with water Vinegar Surface cleaner from livesimply.me 1 cup distilled water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 lemon juiced (optional), 15 drops essential oil, Or lemon rind & rosemary sprigs Frugal Friends Book Club It’s February and we’re reading Meet The Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Willard Thames -If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. AND join us in talking about the book (and other things) throughout the week at our Facebook Community Thanks for hanging with us!

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The shop at Modern Frugality has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff, organize your life, and meal plan efficiently. Visit the shop to see what might work for you at Shop.modernfrugality.com. Also, Frugal Friends listeners get 50% off your purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Refusing to reward bad behavior: it’s an age old parenting technique but it also applies in many other circumstances! Take for instance the area where I live - we have nothing around - no mountains, no lakes, no oceans, no sweet parks, and every other building is abandoned; and yet the property taxes are astronomical! What’s a girl to do?? I am REFUSE TO REWARD BAD BEHAVIOR - by NOT buying or renting in this area, but rather living in an RV. This can also be done at work, at home, when out with friends - if someone misbehaves, don’t give in! Try it out - refusing to reward bad behavior - it works on kids and adults! Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from The Balance provides an introduction to the most important aspects of financial planning. For those of us that are completely in the dark on this topic, or in need of a reminder of the building blocks - this article is great! What Jen and Jill have to say: In order of importance: Budget → Cut Expenses → Get Out of Debt → Save For Retirement → Be Insured It is good for a budget to be detailed, AND written - this can't just be 'in your head'. It doesn't work that way. More from the Internet: This article from The Simple Dollar also outlines the foundational items that make up 'personal finance', but they also provide pictures! What more can you ask for!? More from Jen and Jill: We like (and agree with) the basics: Spend Less Than You Earn → Earn More → Learn Frugality → Manage Your Money → Control Your Destiny With spending less than you earn the goal = making the gap as big as possible Figure out ways to earn more (get more education, start a side hustle, move towards passions, don't burn bridges!) Live frugal! Obviously we love this one! Maximize every dollar, and recognize that habits of all kinds are dangerous! BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Lightning Round :) The Great Debate: What should we focus more of our energy on, spending less or making more? We landed on BOTH - if a good combination can be find, do both! However, if we are going to lean one way, it will be spending less. It is a much better practice and character builder to learn to spend less. Frugal Friends Book Club It’s February and we’re reading Meet The Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Willard Thames If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month to send them a book! Thanks for hanging out! Come join us throughout the week in our Frugal Friends Facebook Community!

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The shop at Modern Frugality has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff, organize your life, and meal plan efficiently. Whatever you’re looking for on your path to financial security Modern Frugality has some of it. You’ll have to visit Shop.modernfrugality.com to see. Frugal Friends listeners get 50% off your purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Driving the Speed Limit: similar to following all of the other rules of the road - driving the speed limit is the most surefire way to avoid spending unneccesary money on fines. Just like fines and interest for late payments on your credit card makes it pointless to have one - so speeding and getting tickets make it pointless to drive. Keep your money in your pocket - where it belongs - and drive the speed limit. Driving the speed limit - one less reason for the cops to pull you over. Notable Notes: - What the Internet has to say: This article from The Balance explains a 'spending fast', how to do it, and why. It offers a great introduction and motivation to do a no-spend challenge. - What Jen and Jill have to say: A spending fast could help towards savings goal or paying down debt, but there's even more reasons than this! A no-spend challenge can also reign in spending, assist in identifying priorities, detox the budget, prep for upcoming spending or help you reach a “giving” goal!! OR you can do it just for the sheer challenge of it :) Guidelines: Pick a length of time Choose what CAN you spend on? Obvious = groceries, bills, basic personal care - don’t cut out brushing your teeth! Conversely; choose what you CAN'T spend on, such as clothing, entertainment, eating out, etc. Reduce essentials - utilize as much food as you already have on hand - a spending fast definitely isn’t an excuse to expand your grocery budget for the month! Get BUY IN from family members - no pun intended… Reduce temptations (i.e. unsubscribe to your favorite stores' email list) Plan for exceptions (think “planned versus impulsive”) Beware of pitfalls! Overspending before and after Delaying necessary spending - More from the Internet: This article from Modern Frugality goes into greater detail on the "how-to's" of a no-spend challenge. If you are planning to engage in this spending fast, definitely check out what Jen has to say (write :)) on the topic! - More from Jen and Jill: Consider doing a month without spending on groceries! Prep for the challenge by stocking up on freezer meals, here's a great place to start for recipes: https://onceamonthmeals.com/ Find fun and FREE ways to spend all the time you're saving! Here's a few ideas: Make money :) The best way to not spend money is to make money! Declutter Find free activities in your community BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Nic for sharing with us your bill! We love your self-care priorities! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Even More Goodies About Not Spending Money Another treasure from Modern Frugality...this one provides a list of 52 free activities you can try when you are on your no-spend challenge! Check it out! Also, check out Jen's book, The No-Spend Challenge Guide which is free for all Amazon Prime members through Prime Reading until March 2019! The book even comes with a bonus, and here are a few things on the bonus! You don’t even have to buy the book to get it, just head to modernfrugality.com/nospendguide Other Frugal Friends Activities: 31 Day Declutter Challenge We’re still on our 31-Day declutter challenge. Join use and get yours at frugalfriendspodcast.com/declutterchallenge Frugal Friends Book Club It’s January and we are reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Upby Marie Kondo If you want a free copy of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up leave us a review where ever you listen, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. As always, thank you for hanging out with us. See you next week! BONUS SNL skit - “Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford” THUNDER SNOW vids: 1st Clip 2nd Clip

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The shop at Modern Frugality has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff, organize your life, and meal plan efficiently. Whatever you’re looking for on your path to financial security Modern Frugality has some of it! AND Frugal Friends listeners get 50% off your purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19. Junk mail: Ever been interested to see what the mailman brought you just to find your mailbox full of ads and unwanted promotional materials? It’s the original junk mail! You’ll probably never buy the things their pushing so here are some alternative ways you can use it: kindling for fire, crafting snowflakes, sweet paper beads, wrap gifts in it, or make paper mache bowls. There are dozens of ways you can waste your time reusing junk mail. Try one today! Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Thrifty Nomads offers a guide for beginners on ho- to coupon. It includes tips on what you need, how to get started, and pitfalls to avoid! What Jen and Jill have to say: Set aside time - this is a big one! There is a level of time investment if you are looking to participate in traditional coupon clipping. This may mean less time spent on Facebook and more time couponing! Organization is key - isn't this always the case?! Find coupons through apps like: Checkout51 CartSmart Snap Consider cash back sites like Ebates or Ibotta Be aware of pitfalls! hoarding bulk items buying things you don't need or want just because it was 'on sale' couponing has the properties of being addictive but not necessarily beneficial (i.e. collecting things just because they are cheap) More from the Internet: This article from How Stuff Works gives 10 tips for things you should try, learn, or consider when couponing - definitely some great stuff to know in here! More from Jen and Jill: Number 9 gives some important information about learning the coupon "jargon". For instance, coupons will use acronyms! OYNO? MIR? BOGO? We'll give you these three for free: On Your Next Order, Mail-in Rebate and Buy One Get One. Number 8 re-instills this idea of being organized! Coupons have expiration dates! Number 6 know your rights -this article recommends having the store coupon policy printed out. Jill thinks this is a little extreme. Other tips we like: buying in bulk does help with savings, forget brand loyalty, forget store loyalty Other places to get coupons include: leftover Sunday papers on Monday morning BILL OF THE WEEK: If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill More about Couponing Why You Shouldn’t Coupon This article from Money Crashers dives into the pitfalls of couponing and why this might be an 'extreme' practice worth avoiding. - https://www.moneycrashers.com/reasons-stop-extreme-couponing/ Jen and Jill's take: We appreciate the perspective offered in this article and agree with the cautions about couponing possibly leading to hoarding (the antithesis to minimalism!) Bargain shopping can lead to unwise choices - purchasing things you don't need, or unhealthy options you wouldn't normally buy Beware of couponing becoming a time consuming obsession Conclusion: couponing in moderation can be great for the wallet, but it is not always synonymous with frugality or minimalism! 31 Day Declutter Challenge We’re still on our 31-Day declutter challenge. Join use and get yours at frugalfriendspodcast.com/declutterchallenge Frugal Friends Book Club It’s January and we are reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Upby Marie Kondo If you want a free copy of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up leave us a review where ever you listen, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. As always, thank you for hanging out with us. We wish you a happy, healthy, and frugal new year. See you next week!

Sponsors: ModernFrugality: The shop at ModernFrugality.com has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff, organize your life, and meal plan efficiently. Whatever you’re looking for on your path to financial security Modern Frugality has some of it. Frugal Friends listeners get 50% off your purchase with code: FRUGALFRIENDS19. New Year’s Resolutions: Tired of those 5 lbs of cookie weight you put on… in 2017?! With 2018 dead and gone, now is definitely the year you’re going to get your life together. You said you were going to do it last year but we know you were actually just waiting for this year to make all your goals and dreams come true. So if you’re ready for exciting changes in your life, make a New Year’s Resolution, It’s not as good as a plan, but it’s fun to think about. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Get Rich Slowly gives an excellent description of Marie Kondo's 'KonMari' method and how to implement it in your own life. Who doesn't like easy to follow, bulleted lists? What Jen and Jill have to say: -When discussing the KonMari method, it's worth noting that there are some cultural differences to consider, for example: the average house size in Japan is 1,310 square feet, while the average house size in the US is 2,500 square feet. Yes our houses are too big, but it also leads to differences in the way we store, organize, etc. Disclaimer: we give our honest opinion on the KonMari method, and poke at a lot of holes! -We thought all the components of the KonMari method were worth listing: Visualize your ideal lifestyle Keep only what “sparks joy” Store only after discarding- special folding Complete the decluttering process in one large push- choose what to keep, not what to throw away Tidy by category, not location Make it easy to maintain- no need for pricey storage systems More from the Internet: This article from Happier lists 5 lessons the author learned by implementing the KonMari method in her own life. What Jen and Jill have to say: We are conflicted about using 'joy' as a measuring stick for decluttering, but maybe it's semantics and we can use the word 'value' instead - i.e. "is thing valuable or does it bring value to my life?" We agree that having fewer things you love is better than many things you kinda like! We also like the point that we don’t need to hang onto things even when we are hanging onto our emotions tied to things We see how this decluttering strategy assists in moving away from caring so much about what others think - it's not about that! Wear the same pants all week! BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Tyler for sharing your bill with us! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill 31 Day Declutter Challenge Let's put it into practice!! We’re going to be using Marie Kondo’s method for decluttering in a more toned-down 31-day challenge. Going down the list that Marie includes in her book we’ll be decluttering everyday this month. These mini declutters shouldn’t take you more than an hour, they can but you shouldn’t let them. This is a real world kickstart that Marie would not approve of but she’s not here ;) If you want a weekend starter kit you can get one for free from The Modern Frugality Shop at shop.modernfrugality.com. It’s called the "Weekend KonMari Challenge Guide" Frugal Friends Book Club It’s January and we are reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo If you want a free copy of "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher - screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month. As always, thank you for hanging out with us. We wish you a happy, healthy, and frugal new year. See you next week!

Sponsors: Cook Smarts: Cook Smarts is an affordable and flexible meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. We’ve partnered with this awesome service to offer listeners their first 3 weeks of meal plans for free and 25% off any additional services. To get this deal head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs and use promo code Frugal for 25% off.   Leftovers: it’s every child’s least favorite word, but it's the budget friendly way to eat! Didn’t finish your meal at the restaurant? Get a doggie bag, eat it tomorrow! Did you make way too much food on Christmas? Eat up those leftovers today! Don’t worry about the fact that you already ate this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - just think about all the money you’re saving! Leftovers - it’s turning your brain off, and filling your belly. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Savvy Savers Academy lays the foundation for 'why' having a budget is a good thing. Most of us are on board with budgets being helpful - but this is a helpful argument in case you need a reminder ;) What Jen and Jill have to say: We agree with the point that budgets are glorified 'plans' for our money. Follow through can be difficult, but we have found that when we're not planning we actually have anxiety about spending on anything, even things we need! Budgeting gives you a peace of mind on current spending and future living A good way to start is to track your spending try mint A budget gives control and freedom to spend More from the Internet: This article from Student Loan Hero outlines 5 different budgeting methods and how to incorporate them into your financial planning. More from Jen and Jill Jen uses a zero based or pay-yourself-first method so they can put the highest percentage possible to debt and savings Jen likes the idea of the envelope system and it works great for people like Allison of Inspired Budget who we had on the podcast (Episode 18) , but it’s not for her Here are the different budgeting methods: Zero-based Pay-self first Envelope system 50/30/20 No budget BILL OF THE WEEK -  Thank you Jocelyn for your bill!  If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Ways to Stick to Your Budget from the Frugal Friends Community Sage gets paid the first of the month and will pay all her bills and debt right away then spend whatever’s left. And the key to her success in that is leaving her credit cards at home! Amia plans out the whole month in advance but gets paid bi-weekly so she sets her bills to come out on each of her paydays. And she also keeps the last credit card she hasn’t cut up at home. Christine uses two checking accounts so all of her monthly bills come out of one and she uses the other for spending. This is good if you don’t have the option of paying everything on 1 or 2 particular days. Juvy uses the Mint app to track her budget because she gets notifications when she’s nearing her limit. Apps are a great way to bring your budget with you. I also like HoneyFi it’s a similar budgeting app for couples. Whitney uses EveryDollar and Ashley uses YNAB, all can be configured with the zero-based budget. Sue reminds us to prioritize sinking funds in our budgets so we’re not surprised by those often forgettable or unpredictable annual or biannual expenses. Frugal Friends Book Club: It's still December! And we're wrapping up the "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko! - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can still get a free copy of this month's book! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just iTunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: Cook Smarts: It's a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. You can start with 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs AND use promo code: frugal for 25% off your purchase! Saying ‘Yes’ - we’ve already heard about the benefits of saying ‘no’ - but what about saying ‘yes’? It’s a great answer to give when someone invites you over, or offers you a doughnut. It’s also great to say ‘yes’ to budgeting and saving money. If you’re sure you don’t want to say ‘no’, then say ‘yes’!! But definitely don’t say ‘maybe’. Saying ‘yes’ - the next best thing to saying ‘no’. Notable Notes: This article from the Penny Hoarder goes above and beyond and offers 100 free gift ideas! While that's way more suggestions than what we need, there are some real decent recommendations! What Jen and Jill have to say: We love tip #1 - make bread! This can be fancy for very cheap or free think fruit breads OR other types! Regifting! We're not above it! #37 - give a month of letters - what a great idea for showing someone value! Check out local buy nothing group, craigslist free, etc. for items people in your life might like #8 - give a personalized recipe book - gather your favorite recipes and give them as a gift - great idea for all those cooks out there with people always asking for recipes! #22 - passing along ‘heirlooms’; and other things lying around the house - this can be very meaningful (if you are willing to part with these items!) #28-35 - gifts that honor memories; think family tree, videos, framed pictures, etc. #60 Amazon trade in Give the gift of labor (house cleaning, car wash, etc.) DIY some gifts, check out CraftGawker for inspiration! More from the Internet: This article from Oprah gives another perspective on the whole idea of gift giving. A family shares about their experience in deciding to have a 'gift-free' Christmas and what they realized in the processed. It's certainly something worth considering - many reasons! More from Jen and Jill: We love this idea, but it is worth considering whether other members of your family will be on board. For those who really enjoy gift exchanging - let them have their fun! Consider investing in time spent with one another rather than gifts that may or may not get thrown away. BILL OF THE WEEK If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill From the Community - Our Favorite Presents! Katie Marie's mom made the 12 meals of Christmas - which entailed a whole bunch of freezer meals! Emerald HAD A BABY - what better present exists?? Jen's favorite gift was a thoughtful present from Travis Jill's favorite gift a scavenger hunt of presents from her husband. It was more about the fun and the time spent than the actual presents! Frugal Friends Book Club: It's December! We've begun reading the "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko! - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can still get a free copy of this month's book! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: Cook Smarts: It's a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. You can start with 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs AND use promo code: frugal for 25% off your purchase!   Christmas Lights: Christmas lights serve as a beacon of hope to light your way down every street you’re trying to get home by at max speed of 5 mph. Christmas lights serve as the perfect backdrop for your Keke challenge (if people are still doing that) and let you really get to know your neighbors based on the quantity of inflatable reindeer in their yards. Christmas Lights, waste you gas looking at them but don’t leave them up past January 1st. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Money Crashers provides us with 9 easy ways to save money this holiday season. There are some great preventative measures, and even alternative ideas to keep that money in your pocket (or at least being spent where it counts!). What Jen and Jill have to say: We like tip #1 about budgeting - if you do this throughout the year it helps to make activities more realistic and can help cover those “unexpected” expenses Watch your spending on yourself during this time of “GIVING”!! Tip #3 reminds us to cut back on 'extras' - focus on the important things #4 is a great tip for a big family. Consider implementing a secret santa, OR just purchasing gifts for kids. Consider changing it up this year, and participating in some cheaper traditions (tip #5), it doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable Tip #8 - know when to stop! When you have checked everyone off the list, stop shopping! More from the Internet: This article from And Then We Saved gives us an amazing and comprehensive list of 24 FREE or inexpensive Christmas activities. There are some excellent and creative suggestions to get you participating in the community and spending time with loved ones. More from Jen and Jill: #3 decorate together! Get friends and family together, play Christmas music and ‘deck the halls’ Speaking of decorating, this doesn't have to be expensive either! Make and use paper snowflakes (#7)! Tip #6 reminds us to check out local winter parades Consider volunteering somewhere this year (#9) and serving others with your time and energy Check your area for any local parks that have flooded an area for some free ice skating (#11) Drive around looking at lights Make gift wrapping an event (#24)! Get all your friends together and wrap up those gifts, it definitely beats doing this alone in a closet. BILL OF THE WEEK   If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Our Frugal Christmas Ideas! Gingerbread houses Here's a recipe to make your own instead of buying a kit! Look up cities in your area for special Christmas activities (Ex: Philly has a german Christmas village!) Craft shows - Check out local churches and see all the stuff the grannies have been working on throughout the year! Make DIY gifts while watching Christmas movies. Check out pinterest and craftgawker for inspiration! Have a ‘winter project’ - treat yourself with ‘time’ instead of ‘money’ Corny Christmas stuff Check out live nativities in your area Drive around to spot those over the top light displays Frugal Friends Book Club: It's December! We've begun reading the "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko! - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can still get a free copy of this month's book! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: Cook Smarts: It's a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. You can start with 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs AND use promo code: frugal for 25% off your purchase! Groups: Looking for information that you can’t find on Google? Ask a group of people. You can find groups on Facebook, at Panera, in a library, or maybe, if you’re brave, on Reddit. Groups can help you find a recipe, move apartments, watch your kids, and figure out complicated concepts when Google does nothing but confuse you. Groups, they give you more than what you want, they give you what you need. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Organizing Moms gives a great run-down on what to expect from online 'buy nothing' groups. Included are some tips when joining, and things to be prepared for. What Jen and Jill have to say: Buy nothing groups may help you identify items you can part with, that you may not have considered donating before! #minimalism Be aware that just like FB marketplace or online yard sales, people might get upset if they are not chosen to receive any given item. BUT good moderators can help with this. Buy nothing groups help to reduce waste by giving something not in use a good home, rather than go to the landfill A great, and unexpected perk of buy nothing groups is getting to know your town better There's so much GRATITUDE in the group, which a really cool aspect of these communities Check out the Buy Nothing Project for these groups in your area More from the Internet: This information from the Time Banks' website itself, gives detail on what this concept of a 'time bank' is, how it works, and ways you can get involved. For those not familiar - time banks allow people to exchange services by giving and receiving of their time to assist others with various needs. More from Jen and Jill: We love the assistance and kindness time banks can offer; it's basically bartering, but with services! You can also check out time banks near you at the following websites: Community Weaver Time Republik   We appreciate the core values of time banks including: assets (everyone has value) redefining work reciprocity community/social networks respect You do not receive until you give, and then it is a 1-1 exchange regarding hours. It's a great system! BILL OF THE WEEK -  Thank you Michelle for sharing your bill of the week, and your great tip about billcutterz.com! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill! Tips from Jen and Jill on getting things for FREE! Foraging! Check out this article for some inspiration: https://www.wildedible.com/foraging Check out the 'free' section on Craigslist Use Rideshare to score free rides to the places you need to go Check out rummage sales near you! If you are real brave, definitely consider exploring some dumpsters near universities in December and May when students are moving out and trashing some treasures! Check out furniture banks for some free larger items Friends Book Club:  It's December and we are reading "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko! - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can get a free copy of this month's book! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we will come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: Cook Smarts: It's a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. You can start with 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs AND use promo code: frugal for 25% off your purchase! Pennies: It’s more than fake copper in your pocket - because every penny really does count, and there is so much you can do with them - you can pinch them, you can earn one for your thoughts, you can call them pretty, and you can bet that a penny saved is a penny earned! Pennies - pick ‘em up off the ground! Notable Notes: This article from CNET outlines how to decide if a black Friday deal is really worth the money. They give some great tips for deciding if you should purchase, or if you should move on. What Jen and Jill have to say: Ask yourself "is this something I even need!?" Check Amazon price history at CamelCamelCamel to see if you can anticipate a better deal in the future Use Honey as a browser add-in for other retailers' price histories, with a cash back component Recognize that stores will slash prices on obscure objects to get you to buy and assume all other prices are deals - stay focused! Compare prices - is it on sale elsewhere? Use PriceBlink - another browser add-in that can alert of coupons, promo codes, and if an item goes on sale More from the Internet: This article from Business Insider outlines 11 Black Friday insights from workers of which you may not be aware. From stores setting out last years deals, to the tricks they use to get you to stay longer and buy more; this article offers a great 'behind the scenes' look at black Friday tactics. More from Jen and Jill: Beware of short-run models, do research and look at reviews! These items are not a 'deal'! Avoid shopping on Thanksgiving - don't feed the beast! Some stores offer freebies to get you to spend more; although if you don’t spend more, it's always great to get a freebie!! BILL OF THE WEEK -  Thank you Amarilys for your amazing bill of the week! Enjoy that debt freedom! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Black Friday Alternatives: Cyber Monday Doorbusters will typically beat cyber monday deals but other than that, you can usually find a better deal online. Small Business Saturday It won’t save you money like it would if you shopped walmart but you’ll be keeping more money in your community and minimizing your carbon footprint. PROFIT: If you drive for Uber or UberEats, Friday will be a good day to clock-in. If you run an online store, that weekend is a great time to run a sale Frugal Friends Book Club: It's November and we are reading "The More of Less" by Joshua Becker - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND we are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can get a free copy of December's book: "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley&William D. Danko! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: CookSmarts: A meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. They have regular, gluten free, paleo and vegetarian versions that you can switch between and an archive of recipes to pick if you don’t like the recipes that week. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs AND they're offering Frugal Friends 25% off with promo code frugal Recycling: Do you have a glass bottle that you want to throw in the trash? resist the urge! instead - recycle it! Even better - use it as a garden decoration! Do you have an old t-shirt? Recycle it! Turn it into a cleaning rag. It’s better for the environment, fosters creativity, and creates sustainability. Europe does this far better than us Americans. But give it a try. Recycling. Notable Notes: What the Internet has to say: This article from Book Riot lists 18 odd things you can borrow from the library. Not all will be available at your local library, but it certainly opens our eyes to the possibilities! What Jen and Jill have to say: We were reminded that in some cities there are "libraries of things"; not just public libraries, but places where you can loan out tools or cake pans!! Jill was so excited to learn than many public libraries will loan out museum passes for popular museums or sights in that town's area. We love the idea of the “living library” which allows you to "check out" people who can inform you on their knowledge or experiences in a particular area. More from the Internet: Another article from Book Riot; this one provides 6 ways to utilize your library to it's fullest potential! Included are tips on how to reserve books, reminders of all the varieties of items you can loan out, and how to approach your librarian ;) More from Jen and Jill: Libraries will allow you request titles even before they have been published. Get on that waiting list and save some money! We also like the 'interlibrary loan' system which allows libraries to borrow from one another - this can be particularly helpful for cash-strapped students! Use your library for audiobooks! These are great for long road trips! Check out what you can loan out at your library - some will lend technology like rokus, cameras, game consoles, etc. This would be great for the kids’ sleepovers!! BILL OF THE WEEK  - Thank you Susan for sharing how you lowered your internet bill - it's amazing what we can get if we just ask! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Extra Tips: Download the Libby app for easy audio and ebook listening/reading Jen's library offers digital music and art lessons from ArtistWorks.com Learn a new language with pronunciator Check to see if your library offers access to ancestry.com In California you can request a virtual card which grants access to ebooks from any library in the state Many libraries offer events for kids like story time or family movie nights Most libraries also have toys to play while at the library and special exhibits Consider utilizing the computers/internet at the library instead of going to the local coffee shop! Frugal Friends Book Club It's November and we are reading "The More of Less" by Joshua Becker - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can get a free copy of December's book: "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley&William D. Danko! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: CookSmarts: still not an official sponsor but we are still big fans of CookSmarts. It’s a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week. They have regular, gluten free, paleo and vegetarian versions that you can switch between and an archive of recipes to pick if you don’t like the recipes that week. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs and if you go on to sign up for meal planning your purchase will help support the podcast.  Televisions: they're a dime a dozen at pawn shops, and there's always a new model so you can never keep up! Our most depressing sponsor yet. Televisions. What the Internet has to say: In this article from Wiki How we specifically look at the 5 tips for buying from a pawn shop. Complete with mesmerizing illustrations, this article provides some excellent advise when considering a pawn shop purchase. What Jen and Jill have to say: We agree with the suggestion to research - this goes for anything - but certainly do your research on the product you would like to buy and make sure you know what it's worth! Negotiate! This is not something you can do at a thrift store - how exciting! Cash helps in your negotiating endeavors! WALK AWAY - you owe them nothing!! If you are uncomfortable or not happy with a price, don't feel stuck or obligated. Look at review on the actual pawn shop - 3 stars or higher is great in this category! Know what you want before you go in More from the Internet: This article from Brad's Deals outlines the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of pawn shop purchasing. There are some great nuggets of wisdom and guidance, but we say 'rules are meant to be broken'! More from Jen and Jill: We like the general list of items to avoid purchasing at a point shop BUT Jen has broken pretty much all of these rules and it worked out fine for her so...make your own decisions ;) Consider exploring online pawn shops - might be a light intro for someone a bit hesitant to walk into a store BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Thanks Jen for providing us with your very own bill! We enjoyed your bit about Bill Kurtis of Wait Wait Don’t tell me and Anchorman! Our Pawn Shop Wins and Loses: Jill - Has zero experience in this department, except for a weird dream that may or may not have been reality. SO don't listen to her advise. Jen- Has SO much experience with pawn shops and has purchased all of the following at these secondhand establishments: engagement ring, laptop, Travis’ tools (power drills and saws), indestructible bluetooth speaker, a Chromecast, P90X, video game systems and games, watch, pilot headset, typewriter, and bicycles. Frugal Friends Book Club: We are reading “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez in the month of October - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! AND We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can get a free copy of November's book: The More of Less by Joshua Becker! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the day October 31st. Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Jen Oliver (IG: @lovejenoliver) is the author of the international bestselling book, The Love FitMama Way and host of the FitMama Podcast. As a Core Transformation Coach, podcaster and speaker, she inspires, educates and motivates moms around the globe to begin all things with self-love. What Jen is most passionate about is spreading the message that if you love the body and life you have, you will have the body and life you love. She shares this message beautifully in her recent TEDx talk, How to Love Yourself to the Core. In this episode, we discuss: Jen’s chronic back injury Explaining core rehab How pelvic floor muscles change after pregnancy Sharing positive birth stories Educate yourself about pregnancy and childbirth Preparing the body for pregnancy Why you should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist Incontinence & pelvic floor dysfunction What is a prolapse? Give yourself permission to heal Heed your needs Breathe back your body Practice pearl pull-ups The greatest gift of Jen’s upbringing Take interest in people around you Jen shares what her family learned traveling together Fostering a positive sense of self in her children Saying thank you Bring back permission to “just be” How Jen fell into entrepreneurship It’s never too late to rehab your core Show sponsors: CoreChair

Jen | 7core Fitness Noteshttps://7corefitness.com(703) 672 1297info@7corefitness.comInstagramLinkedInFacebook 2:20 Jen’s background. She got her start in nursing. “Once you’re more educated about things, it empowers you to make better decisions.” “I wanted to figure out how I could help people stay OUT of the hospital. I wasn’t certain what that would be, but I knew that nursing wasn’t going to be that for me.” “You’ve got one body that’s been given to you. You’re responsible for taking care of it the best you can.”3:00 A setback changed Jen’s course from running to other options to stay fit and continue moving. Jen’s certification in personal training. 6:30 Moving to a gym who’s core values aligned with Jen’s. Becoming an expert in corrective exercise. 7:20 Building her own business as a personal trainer. People coming out of the woodwork to help her launch her business. 8:30 Leaving nursing to do something different. How her experience as a nurse impacts her career today. There was no future she wanted or aspired towards in nursing. She knew ultimately that her passion was elsewhere. 10:25 Which certification to get to become a personal trainer in Jen’s opinion. ACE or NASM. 11:50 What is corrective exercise? How Jen uses it in her practice. Assessing new clients, and figuring out any asymmetries in a body.Functionalmovement.com 17:10 Pivoting her career…pivoting her LIFE because of a setback. 20:00 Jen’s perspective on group exercise 21:10 Jen’s advice on getting started with your own business or personal training practice. “Ask a lot of questions!” “Be prepared for not having a lot of income when you’re just getting started out as a personal trainer.”24:25 Jen’s experience with launching a business, and how she’s made mistakes before launched a business before and failed. Each time she’s done it, she’s learned things and been able o take things from those experiences to use in her [successful] business today.27:30 Learning from perceived failures. 29:35 How Jen grew and built her business. 32:00 Setting boundaries to ensure Jen has the time she needs for her personal health and well-being and her family. It’s all about scheduling for her. “You have to allow yourself time for self-care. It’s okay and it’s not selfish.”35:00 Jen’s experience as a nutrition expert and what she recommends. 39:40 WHAT JEN’s OBSESSED WITH! The soda stream!42:20 Jen’s biggest lesson learned that she wants to share with everyone. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. “ “Give mysSupport the show (https://www.shinestrong.co/podcast)

Check out the full show notes on our website at www.frugalfriendspodcast.com Sponsors: CookSmarts: Not an official sponsor, but we like them! It’s a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week, with dietary adjustments to meet your needs. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs Coconut Oil: One of the few products you can use to stir fry your veggies AND moisturize your face. What the Internet has to say: This article from Money Crashers lists 10 beauty products that are a waste of money, along with ideas for natural alternatives. For anyone who wants to whiten their teeth, but doesn't want to erode enamel or break the bank - this the article for you! What Jen and Jen have to say: We appreciate the frugal AND chemical free perspective - and we agree with all 10 products listed! Natural and inexpensive alternatives for perfume = jojoba oil is $10 essential oils We always like to save in some places so we can spend more where it counts. Regarding natural make-up, these are some great alternatives to convenience store products: Sun Cat Naturals foundation $16 for 20g All Natural Cosmetics foundation = apx. $18-$30 For cellulite and anti aging; try dry skin brushing - we learned something new!! More from the Internet: This article from Frugal Beautiful provides 10 tips and tricks for saving money on skin care and make-up. From what to invest in and where to skip out, we were not disappointed in the advice given here! More from Jen and Jill: We agree with the tip about monitoring the amount of product you’re using - this not only allows you to track how long ingredients last for budgeting purposes, but also may alert you to ways you can limit consumption Reusable containers for travel - this is just obvious, but in case you were unaware - travel products are a rip off! Try to DIY your products by checking the ingredients list and making it yourself (i.e. dry shampoo) Use one product for multiple things (i.e. coconut oil) Keep makeup and dry products out of the bathroom for longevity AND stay organized! BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Thanks so much Chris from the Popcorn Finance Podcast! You have shared a great cautionary tale about not ever wasting money on a pancake maker! Our Experience and Tips: Jill: EXFOLIATION!! DIY face masks/scrubs - favorite includes apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon Castor oil on lashes for thickness and growth DIY dry shampoo recipes here: https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/diy-dry-shampoo Use an old sock instead of cotton balls with nail polish remover Add a few drops of nail polish remover to dying polish to extend the life Check out Clinique 'bonus buys' - wait for this sale to get big ticket item and then get extras for free! Don't discount yard sales and thrift stores for some products - I'm not too good to buy lotion and nail polish from these places :) Use Vit E oil for moisture overnight Drink water!! Jen: Sephora freebies: free events, free mini makeovers, free gift for your birthday, go in and ask and they’ll give you a sample of just about anything they carry. Same with Lush, staff are trained to give samples. Check it out here  Swaps - add unused hair and cosmetic products to clothing swaps for more variety! Frugal Friends Book Club We are reading “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez in the month of October - Head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion! We are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can get a free copy of November's book: The More of Less by Joshua Becker! To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the day October 31st. Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: CookSmarts: Not an official sponsor, but we like them! It’s a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week, with dietary adjustments to meet your needs. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs Time Management: We all only get 24 hours in a day, but planning how to spend those hours is the difference between getting nothing done and getting something done. It’s the best way to feel accomplished - and make room for that amazing side hustle! Time management. If you didn’t learn it when you were 10, try it now! What the Internet has to say: This article from Market Watch gives the most (and least) lucrative side hustles. Complete with charts, and visuals it is easy to see what jobs require the least amount of work for the biggest financial pay-off. What Jen and Jill have to say: We agree with selling/renting property as the most lucrative side-hustle. Jen has had great success with renting a room in her home on Airbnb, it is not a big time commitment but provides a great payoff! Selling crafts is so labor intensive, with such low financial return that you might as well get a part time job at Trader Joe’s instead Biggest key is ENJOYING your side hustle A few resources for getting your feet wet with a side hustle include: TaskRabbit allows users to advertise skills like building furniture or moving boxes Fiverr connects people with freelance work such as resume writing or translation starting at $5 per job Wag! is for dog-walkers and takes a cut of the fee pet owners pay More from the Internet This article from Side Hustle Nation lists a comprehensive 99 side hustle ideas. Most do not apply to your average person, but we like side hustle nation, so we thought we would give them a shout out. More from Jen and Jill Nearly nothing on this list is applicable to our lives, but it does get our creative juices going! Selling on amazon - personal story of the pitfalls, but can be a worthwhile side hustle! Teaching english - can be a legitimate way to earn money VIPkid BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Thank you Jen for your bill of the week! This was literally one of the most adorable things Jill has heard in her life. She could barely contain herself. Our side hustle experience: Jen -airbnb, amazon - selling t-shirts, self publishing, online data entry Jill - custom furniture, painting, cleaning, bartending/serving private events, DJ-ing, flips of vehicles, yard sales (online and in person) There is a difference between one-time hustle and on-going hustle - apparently Jill prefers the sporadic hustle! Things to Consider with a Side Hustle: This article from the luxe strategist outlines some great questions to ask yourself when thinking about starting a side hustle, including: Can you do your day job outside of your day job? Meaning could your area of expertise also become your side hustle? What do you do for fun? Could you make money with something you enjoy? What are you good at? Do you notice people coming to you for assistance in a particular area? What are some problems you or people you know have had to solve? Think through the needs you have seen and whether there is a market for a service you might provide Frugal Friends Book Club We are reading “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez in the month of October We are giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! So if you want a free copy of November's book: The More of Less by Joshua Becker  To enter, leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just itunes) screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the day October 31st. Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: CookSmarts: Not an official sponsor, but we like them! It’s a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week, with dietary adjustments to meet your needs. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs Duct Tape: Not the brand, just the tape. Need a dress to wear out on the town? Make it out of duct tape. Broken pipe? Duct tape. Broken door knob? Duct tape. The most versatile maintenance and fashion product on the market. What the Internet has to say: This article from life hacker lists common home repairs that most people could tackle themselves. From clogged garbage disposals to jammed windows, they provide a pep talk convincing you that you’re capable along with video links to show you how! What Jen and Jill have to say: We like this list because these are our most common problems! Finding video tutorials for the issue you are experiencing is the best way to cut costs on repairs. Oftentimes it is very possible to fix minor issues yourself! What the Internet has to say: This article, also from life hacker, provides a guide on building a toolbox to meet your home maintenance needs. From basic to pro, there are some great suggestions! What Jen and Jill have to say: Our biggest take-away is organization! DIY repairs and home maintenance will seem all the more overwhelming if you can’t find your tools - and definitely not cost effective if you end up just buying new every time! Tools we like = duct tape, lighter fluid (ok, maybe that’s not a tool), hammer, POWER DRILL! Tools we laugh at = level We agree with the list of ‘non-essentials’ but helpful items including: safety goggles, work gloves, rags, pencil, superglue, and WD-40. Pawn shops are great for finding cheap tools Cheapskate toolbox: vice grip, WD-40 and duct tape, multitool, pliers, ruler, several screwdrivers, scissors You don’t need a shed full of tools to get the job done! BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Thank you Leah for your bill of the week! Jill genuinely thought this was the sweetest most adorable thing she’s heard all week. Thanks for your genius! Bonus Internet Find: This article from Hub Your Home lists projects you should NOT tackle yourself. Call in the professionals for these! Know your limit and learn from the show ‘home improvements’ - it will only benefit your relationship with housemates! Electrical work Garage door repair Roof repair Tree removal Crown molding Frugal Friends Book Club We are reading “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez in the month of October If you want a free copy of next month’s book, we are giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month, no limit! To enter, leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just itunes) screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the day September 30th. Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: Podcast Crafter: whether you’re starting from scratch or need to free up your time, podcast crafter offers a suite of services for personal and business podcasts including branding, custom soundtracks, full episode production, & publishing. Visit podcastcrafter.com to schedule your free 1 on 1 consultation. Love: If you’re married or in a relationship or a human being you want love. Remember, you can’t buy me love but you can buy me a financial future that will ensure I stay with you until death do us part. What the Internet has to say:  This article from StyleCaster brings us 31 FREE date ideas. From exploring free activities in your area, to planning fun get together's with friends, there are certainly some creative ideas worth trying here. What Jen and Jill have to say: We like tip #8, which is enjoying a beach day - this can be done inexpensively and even in land-locked areas by finding a nearby lake with a bit of nice shoreline! Tip #13 recommends visiting an open house, which we definitely think is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Jill has taken this a step further to recommend boat and RV show rooms :) We agree with tip #25 which recommends playing old school video games even those least interested in video games can get on board with pacman!! One of our favorite ideas was #5 which is geocaching - the adult (but still child friendly) version of a treasure hunt! PLUS this is how Travis proposed to Jen!! (aww ;)) We don't recommend #15 Messy Twister - unless chocolate is involved. What the Internet has to say: This article from The Krazy Coupon Lady lists 23 cheap and free date ideas. There are some great tips on ways to get high end items/services at a fraction of the cost, and links to websites to start planning your own romantic dates and getaways. What Jen and Jill have to say: We like that this article listed frugal date ideas in addition to free date ideas - there should be money in the budget to go out, but we certainly do not always need to spend top dollar! #5 cook together - we agree that this can be a great way to bond, create a new experience, and work side by side. We like idea #14 which gives ideas on getting cheap tickets to local sporting events. Because there's so much baseball (Plus minor leagues!) We love that this article recommends playing together, Tip #21 suggests playing outside - we like frisbee, badmitton, volleyball, or simply playing 'catch'!  - Check out tip #4 which recommends groupon for purchasing couples massages - this is a great way for a luxury date on a budget! #16 go to a 'you-pick' farm - look into farms in your area allowing you to pick and pay for what you have harvested. This is a nice "two for one" date in that you can enjoy time at the farm, AND go home and make something with your bounty! BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Thanks so much Jenna for sharing your frugal tips! We love to learn new ways to save on gym costs - and what a great date idea to do a yoga class with your significant other! General Rules to Live by and Other frugal date ideas: Jill - Invest in something small that will provide multiple enjoyable and memorable dates (i.e. small motorized raft for a summer-times worth of boating and picnics!) Explore yard sales and thrift stores together, with a set spending limit in mind Work on a project together, or volunteer together Jen - Combine something you have to do with your partner. Running, Don’t do something free that will cause you to spend money elsewhere (ie. taking a walk and ending up buying a $4 coffee, just bring your own.) Other Exciting Things: Have you joined The Frugal Friends Book Club!? This month we’re reading The Year of Less by Cait Flanders. We have a thread in our Frugal Friends Facebook group where we’re talking about all our frugal reading. If you haven’t joined, head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/group to jump in on the conversation! AND get your library cards out because next month we’re reading Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez. But wait - there's more! If you want a copy - we’re giving them away for free! For every 5 reviews we get this month, we’ll give away 1 copy of the book, no limit! To enter to win; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just itunes), take a screenshot of the review, and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the day September 30th Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

Sponsors: Podcast Crafter: You know what will make you look real good at work? When you propose your boss start a podcast and you can tell him or her you already know a pro podcast producer. podcast crafter does branding, custom soundtracks, full episode production, & publishing. Head to podcastcrafter.com to schedule your free 1 on 1 consultation. Splitting Meals: Do you like to go out to eat but hate seeing the bill at the end of your dining? Take a friend - split your meal! Furthermore- would you like to practice portion control, and experience the frugal benefits of your clothes continuing to fit you year after year? Split your meal! It’s the original stomach shrinking, wallet preserving technique. Try it out. Meal splitting. What the Internet has to say: This article from The Minimalists explains what minimalism is and what it is not. They outline the basic principles of minimalism, but ultimately give us the freedom to define what this looks like in our own lives. What Jen and Jill have to say: We like that minimalism can help you afford higher quality things by buying buying fewer things There is often freedom in the form of greater emotional, mental, and relational capacity as a result of pursuing minimalism and frugality Minimalism comes in many shapes and sizes; this is not a one size fits all! We love the quote: “Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.” What the Internet has to say: This article from Reader's Digest gives a list of 12 things minimalists wish we would all stop spending money on. From trendy clothing to unnecessarily high-priced cosmetic products, this article warns against the collection of things and advocates for greater minimalism and frugality in our daily lives, plus it's an enjoyable read :) What Jen and Jill have to say: Single use kitchen gadgets. so true! Find tools that serve multiple purposes! We agree with the collection of craft supplies being a little excessive and a slippery slope! Beware! We found this statistic listed in the article to be interesting, "Americans wear 20%of their clothing 80% of the time" - let's consider our own version of a 'capsule wardrobe'! BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill Thank you MK! Our life song!! an amazing throw back, and connection to this segment. You are a genius!  Personal & Community - What we have to say about minimalism: Jen- I’m a minimalist living with a man who stops to inspect an abandoned toilet on the side of the road. Jill- I’m a minimalist who realizes that the state of my bedroom is a direct reflection of my emotional and mental status. The 2 are synchronous and in simplifying the space where I rest and relax I experience greater peace and freedom. One of the biggest critiques I receive in my quest for minimalism is being unsentimental. BUT fin ways to maintain sentiment and value without the collection of goods (i.e. take pictures!). And recognize the joy something brought for a season, and then let it go (i.e. Jill's wedding cards:)) Maria:  "I feel the shift to this (minimalist) mindset for me has been directly related to frugal and intentional living, especially over the last five years. I've realized I really don't need a whole lot to live a satisfying life." Bronwyn: "Right now my focus in (minimalism) is disconnecting from consumer culture so that I have only what I really need. I’m still trying to find a balance between not having too much and still having enough." Emily: "I started with fitness, which led to simple and clean eating, which led to simple living i.e. minimalism which led to financial simplicity i.e. cleaning up my debt and spending habits" Thanks all for sharing your thoughts on minimalism! To hear more from us and our frugal friends community, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/frugalfriendspodcast/See you there!

In this episode, Sara talks with Jennifer Hofmann about her journey from home office organizer (and much more!) to activist and writer. Jen talks about how everything she ever did in her wildly varied career led up to this moment. She also gives some great financial advice for budding entrepreneurs, as well as tips for connecting with loved ones across political party lines. Since November of 2016, Jen has been writing the "Americans of Conscience Action Checklist" to an engaged list of over 70,000 subscribers. With diplomacy, sincerity, and heart, she helps fellow conflict-averse introverts, everyday Americans, and even moderate Republicans become inspired to engage in their democracy.   Sara and Jennifer discuss: How they got connected through Sharon Roemmel from Episode 018 Jen studying French and secondary ed at university Working at the YMCA for years Moving to Oregon and working for The Humane Society How she used her background in education in these positions Starting a business in real estate home staging Working part time side jobs to make ends meet Serving as a business adviser at her local small business center Starting a business as a website copy writer How everything she's ever done ties into what she's doing now The benefits of having multiple income streams How she started writing the Americans of Conscience Checklist Going viral, from 30 initial subscribers to 74,000 Her love for sending out positive messages that we can all agree on Receiving enough donations via her Patreon page to make her living Sara's brand new Patreon page A personal retreat Jen took when she needed to decide what was next in her career The concept of "less of this / more of that" Sara's and Jen's favorite self-assessment tests Gallup Top 5 CliftonStrengths Test 16 Personalities (Myers-Briggs Personality types) The Enneagram RHETI Test What Jen loves most about what she does now Jen's biggest fear in her business Finding common ground through political differences Seeking understanding before being understood Not tolerating verbal abuse Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication How to empathize with others without reinforcing oppression John Gottman's "Four Horsemen" and "Soft Startup" The encouragement Jen received when she first became self-employed that kept her moving forward Jen's writing mentors: Elizabeth Gilbert Glennon Melton Doyle Jen's income streams: Writing website copy and managing social media accounts Writing the Americans of Conscience Checklist Jen's biggest regret in starting her first business Her advice for new businesses Taking what she'd learned, and pivoting again Jen's favorite self-care practices Noticing when you're not at your emotional best Tips for remaining optimistic and positive, regardless of political climate What Jen would do differently if she started over again Tips for talking about politics with people you love that have different perspectives than you do Great de-polarizing organization: Better Angels Finding opportunities to practice leadership ...and more! Jennifer's full bio: Before the 2016 presidential election, Jennifer Hofmann was a mild-mannered travel blogger, writer, and avowed politophobe. Then, everything changed. In response to the election, Jen put her taxpayer-funded education to good use and began researching how ordinary Americans could respond in the new political landscape. Since November of 2016, Jen has been writing the "Americans of Conscience Action Checklist" to an engaged list of over 70,000 subscribers. With diplomacy, sincerity, and heart, she helps fellow conflict-averse introverts, everyday Americans, and even moderate Republicans become inspired to engage in their democracy. See what she’s up to at americansofconscience.com.   Connect with Jennifer: Web: http://americansofconscience.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AoCChecklist 

Let’s get a different perspective about Amazon! Today we're talking to Jen Hozer, a project manager at Bobsled Marketing, who comes to us with a new angle, as she has a background in a very different industry. Jen gives us her viewpoint as an ex-Amazon seller, along with some must-have tech tools she used to manage her own Amazon channel. For Jen, Amazon represents one of the pivot points in her career and it is really interesting to hear the story of how she became a seller on Amazon. This episode is packed with lots of really valuable tips, tricks, and tools that she herself has used successfully. She talks about product discovery tools, the way that they can be used for competitive analysis or to help you figure out additional products that can be added to your existing bundle of products. Jen also shares some great insights about design and product imagery, taxes tools or shipping management. Tune in today to get some really practical, tactical and applicable advice and tech tools. KEY TAKEAWAYS   Jen explains about her background, what brought her to Amazon, and what her experience at Amazon was, prior to joining Bobsled. How Jen has married her past experience with what she is doing currently. Jen finds it so much fun to express her brand story. The tools that Jen has had to leverage to manage her account and ensure that the operational and accounting aspects were covered, outside of the branding and marketing. Jen gives her top recommendations for third-party solutions to manage your Amazon channel. Jen's take on Jungle Scout- it's really made things a lot easier. What Jen found out about pacifier sunglasses, using Jungle Scout. How Jen uses the AB split-testing feature of Jungle Scout. Images are playing a bigger and bigger role on Amazon today. Jen's recommended tool for optimizing or managing your product images. (LunaPic) Using the right format to create a transparent background for your images. Some free tools such as Canva.com and resources for creating really great images. How Jen managed the accounting aspect of being a seller on Amazon. Why TaxJar was Jen's number one go-to tool for taxes. Managing shipping and complex inventory management. Don't stress- just start and do something today! Kiri recommends using Forecastly for forecasting and inventory with Amazon.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE   Bobsled Marketing Jennifer Hozer     Jungle Scout Canva LunaPic TaxJar Forecastly The giveaway is still on! Leave us a review on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast or any platform where you listen to the show and we’ll send you a paperback copy of Kiri’s book, The Amazon Expansion Plan. Send us your screenshot at info@bobsledmarketing.com and get your 2018 updated and revised edition.

Sponsors: Books - The Frugal Entertainment Podcast Crafter - Check them out and hire them for all your podcast needs! Podcastcrafter.com What the Internet has to say: This article from Kitchn provides a beginners guide to meal planning, complete with definitions, tips for starting, and what meal planning is not. BudetBytes provides another guide to meal prep and planning and answers the questions of "why" do it, foods that can be prepped ahead of time, how to know if food is still "good", and who meal prepping works for. What Jen and Jill have to say: Meal planning isn’t the holy grail! It offers a template, so plan for takeout, delivery, and leftovers, because you don’t need 7 meals planned and purchased every week!  Meal planning can be flexible, and does NOT need to be entirely home cooked Make a master ingredient list on your phone or tablet to know what you have in stock, and what to purchase when out Use last night's leftovers for lunch! Pre-chop veggies  all in one day to make cooking easier throughout the week. Involve your partner, friend, or children in on this process! BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com Our Experience: Jen: Have a template, such as 1 asian meal, 1 mexican, 1 slow cooker meal, etc. Cultivate a love for leftovers - it's frugal :) Jill: Keep simple and start small - otherwise you will get overwhelmed and won't stick with it! Consider cooking up your main meat or veggie in a simple way and add it to different meals throughout the week (i.e. breaded chicken added on top of salad, in a sandwich, or with sauce and pasta) Utilize home-cooked frozen meals (or store bought) in your meal planning routine Check out frugalfriendspodcast.com/cooksmarts - this site creates 'made for you' meal plans, complete with a shopping list and recipes! What's Next? Introducing, The Frugal Friends Book Club! We’re going to read 1 frugal book every month and we’ll start in September with "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders. Cait did a two year shopping ban that changed not just her finances, but her entire life. YOU COULD WIN! For every 5 reviews we receive this month, we’ll give away 1 copy of the book. To enter to win the book leave us a review on your podcast listening device, (not just itunes) screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com We’ll select the winners on August 31st!

Sponsors: Spray Paint: Don't like the color of your cabinet hardware? Spray paint it! Wish that plastic owl was gold?Spray paint it! Podcast Crafter: Your one stop shop for all your podcasting needs! From show notes, to individual soundtracks, to production - Podcast Crafter has what you're looking for. Check them out! www.podcastcrafter.com What the Internet has to Say: Apartment Therapy curated 20 tips for decorating on a budget from a few of the pros. Some out of the box ideas are shared from those in the business of decorating homes. What Jen and Jill have to say: We like what Jamie Drake has to say about shopping at home. Check your basement, attic, or even other rooms for pieces that could accentuate or complete the look you want. Emily Henderson also shared a great tip in the article about focusing on one statement piece and finding less expensive items to compliment that decor. We also agree to focus on the shape and function of furniture as they can be reupholstered or painted if the color or fabric is not quite right. More from the Internet: This Country Living article provides 38 decorating ideas for those sprucing up their homes on a budget. The author focuses on small projects that can make all the difference in the look and feel of the rooms in your home! More from Jen and Jill: While there is much to debate about wallpaper, it can be worth considering on an accent wall; especially if you purchase the kind that is easily removed! Check out this article for a list of companies selling removable wallpaper! We also agree with the tips on adding a fresh coat of paint to walls as a way of re-imagining a room(#3), using trays and large plates to organize and corral items (#9), turning cards or prints into framed pieces of art (#24), and changing out the hardware on cabinets for a clean and updated look (#25)! BILL OF THE WEEK Thanks Greg for sharing your bill with us! We always love hearing all the creative bills you are excited about! If you want to submit your bill of the week, visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com Our Experience: Jill can't speak highly enough about yard sales, thrift stores, the clearance section, and AUCTIONS! If you can be patient, and keep a running list of the things you are looking for, you can usually find something one of a kind! Also consider DIY projects - get inspired by pinterest when decorating different parts of your home! Keep an eye out for free curb-side treasures! Jill has scored some great furniture and decor both for herself and for friends this way! The best thrift stores for specific needs: Habitat for Humanity ReStore: fixtures, furniture, hardware, construction supplies. Goodwill: household, paintings, picture frames. If you have a goodwill outlet near you, that's even better - you pay by the pound! Find community thrift stores on Yelp while traveling - you will often find variety, especially in high end/affluent areas If you have friends working in the trades, check with them for discounted or free leftover supplies! But don't take advantage of them :) What YOU had to say on this topic: We received a lot of tips from our Frugal Friends Facebook Community and wanted to share a few of the best! Jen recommended using the nextdoor app, offer up, facebook marketplace, and buy nothing groups rather than purchasing new. Check them out! Lisa reminded us about freecycle a great website to get things for FREE! You gotta be quick though! Sarah shared a tip about online yard sales, these can be found in your area on facebook Alyssa let us in on her secret about going to estate sales on the last day, they’ll typically cut the prices just to get rid of stuff! Katherine suggests mentioning to friends and family what you're looking for. She has been able to get most of her furniture/appliances/dishware on long term loans or as gifts. Plus, she's always willing to help people move, organize, or downsize, which can often come with the added perk of inheriting some "hand-me-downs" - you never know what they want to give away or get rid of! Thanks frugal friends for the tips! We want to hear more from YOU! Check us out and join in on the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/frugalfriendspodcast/

Do you have the courage to focus on what you love, even when that means taking a paycut? From side hustles to keep her afloat to the big wins that come with relentlessly pursuing her dreams, Jaclyn Marfuggi tells us stories of following her heart and listening to her gut while navigating the ups and downs of a creative life in Hollywood. This episode includes: Jen and Jaclyn reminisce about the ups and downs of their sorority days Jaclyn’s double major and how it ties in to what she does today Jaclyn reflects on life after graduation and moving to LA Jaclyn talks sticking with her dreams and believing in herself even when no one else did Family intervention: the time Jaclyn’s family told her it’s time to get a “real” job in a not-so-subtle way Working different jobs to keep her dreams afloat and not taking “no” for an answer Loosening the reins on her side jobs and watching more of her dream opportunities pour in Jaclyn’s favorite thing to drink What Jen loves about Jaclyn’s stand-up and how she sets herself apart Jaclyn talks the ups and downs of stand-up comedy and what made her get into it Playing Britney Spears in a musical: what Jaclyn especially loved about playing her idol Jaclyn recounts some of her interesting encounters with celebrities she’s met Plyojam: Jaclyn’s fitness obsession and why she loves it Speed round: what Jaclyn wanted to be when she was young that ties into what she does today

Go to www.frugalfriendspodcast.com for full show notes and links! What the Internet has to say: This article from student loan hero provides a comprehensive list of loan forgiveness programs. The site provides clickable links for each type of loan forgiveness option, along with explanations for the different programs. Student Loan Planner goes into great detail about the public service loan forgiveness program and tips for applying while also avoiding the pitfalls. If considering refinancing students loans, check out this article! Student loan hero advises 6 steps to take prior to applying to refinance. What Jen and Jill have to say: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) is the best, but also probably not the best. Being that this loan is a government program, things could change! There are also a lot of caveats to be aware of, so heed the advice of those that have gone before us!! Refinancing can be a great solution to get your loans all in one place and lower your interest rate. We recommend Education Loan Refinancing since it has the lowest interest rates and the highest cash incentive ($200!) if you sign your loan within 30 days of approval. AND if you use our affiliate link to sign up, you'll get an extra $100!! Our Experience: Jen has her own amazing student debt pay-off story! Check it out on her blog Saving with Spunk   Use speed! Going hard at paying down your student loans fast is the only way to save money, and pay down debt efficiently Bonus link! Check out this article for more tips on loan forgiveness, not mentioned in the show! BILL OF THE WEEK: Thank you again Hannah Randall for your SECOND bill of the week! You get the loyal frugal friend award! If YOU want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com Sponsors Podcast Crafter - check them out for all your podcasting needs! podcastcrafter.com Time - want to pay off your student loans? It just takes TIME (and money) :)

Sponsors: podcastcrafter.com  - incredible podcast production services - check 'em out! Beans and rice  - the frugal dinner What the internet has to say: Mila at The Balance This article shares 10 ways to minimize costs on health care and insurance. Mila gives helpful information on the different nuances of various health insurance plans and some pitfalls to watch out for. While mainly talking health insurance, there are some great tips regarding billing and finding discounted services. What Jen and Jill have to say: We agree with tip #3 about being aware of balance billing; this is a real thing! Doctors offices may try to bill you for the balance not paid by insurance, but you do not always need to pay this We like tip #4 about finding alternative insurance. Some options include: Farm Bureau Financial Services, Medi-Share We do recommend looking into getting a health insurance broker, sometimes this can save big money and YOU don't pay for the brokers services #10 is the tried and true frugal method; shop around and compare costs for specific procedures This article by Wendy at WebMD 5 ways to save on medical costs. There are obvious tips like talking to your doctor, but there are also some suggestions we have not considered for saving on medications! What Jen and Jill have to say: We like tip #5 about pill splitting - it's possible to decrease the cost of prescription medications if certain milligram amounts are cheaper. Meaning pay less for the 30mg pill and split in half if your prescribed dosage is 15mg. Worth looking into!! BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com Our Experience: Jen Preventative care that will actually save you money isn’t screenings. Check out this NY times article for more. Consider contributing to HSA’s to offset the downfall of Medicare; this article gives a great explanation on HSAs Utilize Groupon for teeth cleanings Mystery shop for teeth cleaning and eye exams through A Closer Look. Shop for contacts through Ebates Acupuncture for preventative care; check out this article from the Penny Hoarder regarding the benefits! Jill: Know what’s an ‘emergency’ and what super glue can fix! For instance, my pinky tragedy while doing the dishes! Preventative care - drink apple cider vinegar everyday! Thanks Linda Sirianni for this tip! Check out local dental schools for discounted teeth cleanings Mental health - check for free support groups in your area as well as therapists that will bill you on a sliding scale if your insurance won't cover. Here's a great article with tips and resources on affordable mental health care

In this episode: How to get featured on The Travel Women. How to get noticed by featured accounts. Using "Postcards" on Thetravelwomen.com to help you get featured. What Jen looks for when looking for images to feature on Instagram. What you should avoid doing to your photos. How to create compelling travel videos. What to do when you are just starting out as a video content creator. Where to learn how to create video content: Lynda.com and Skillshare.com Best tips to do video editing. How to get to the next level as a content creator. How to elevate your photos and videos with a drone. Check out the full interview with Jennifer O'Brien on how to create a travel community for women. Subscribe, rate and review on itunes.

Jen Smith is a Subject Matter Expert in Gymnastics. In this interview, Dan asks Jen about how CrossFit athletes can benefit from her area of specialisation. They discuss: The single biggest thing CrossFit athletes neglect. How more focus on very specific areas of gymnastics training could benefit CrossFitters. How to incorporate more gymnastics conditioning into your training without spending more time at the gym. The smallest thing a CrossFit athlete could do to give the greatest benefit. What Jen would like to see programmed as an event in The CrossFit Games. What Jen will be covering at the Range of Motion Athlete Camp. In 1987, Jen was selected into the gymnastics program at the Western Australian Institute of Sport at the age of seven. She trained for 9 years to reach her ultimate goal of representing Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. After coming out of a two year retirement and competing at the 1999 World Championships, Jen unfortunately suffered an injury at the 2000 Olympic trials and she retired again to concentrate on her studies. She then became involved in amateur boxing while completing her PhD and qualified for the 2010 World Championships, where she gained a world ranking of 9th in the light flyweight division. After retiring from boxing, Jen was introduced to the world of CrossFit in 2011, competing in the team division at The CrossFit Games. She is now a member of the CrossFit Gymnastics Course staff. ROMcast provides bite-sized chunks of health, happiness, fitness and performance. Presented by Exercise Physiologist and Scientist, Coach and Director of Range of Motion, Dan Williams. Enjoy ROMcast? We'd love if you could rate or review our show on iTunes or Stitcher, and don't forget to subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher so you don't miss future episodes!

Notable Notes: What the internet has to say This article from Nomadic Matt outlines 7 tips for saving cash on accommodations while traveling. Included in the list are home sharing options, hostels, and rewards programs. Moral of the story: there are more options than we would have originally thought! What Jen and Jill have to say: couchsurfing sharing house space on airbnb hostels MONASTERIES!!! What the Internet has to say David Ning gives 50 (that right 50!) tips to save money on vacation. The article goes through categories different categories including saving on flights, food, car rental, transportation, currency, accommodation, shopping, travel alternatives, and other tips for budget travel.  What Jen and Jill have to say: plan your meals and don’t eat every meal out you don’t need rental car insurance do a cost analysis on staying outside of the city and getting a rental car/ commuting vs staying within check your insurance and credit card policy. BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com Our experience: Let's get philosophical: should you vacation while you’re in debt? If you’re going international get the schwab debit card. Rent and RV through sites like the following: https://rvshare.com/ https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/   OR invest in your vacation rather than throw money out the window - get creative! For example, purchase a trailer or RV, use it for your vacation, then sell it! Sponsors: saying “no” - just do it podcastcrafter.com For all your podcasting needs! Check them out!

What the internet has to say: Kevin Mercadante Article This Money Under 30 article looks at the true cost of car ownership and explores 6 major vehicle costs including: fuel, licensing/registration/taxes, insurance, maintenance/tires, finance charges, and depreciation. What Jen and Jill have to say: Having a car longer versus trading in seems to be the better deal BUT buy used! (depreciation will get ya) What the internet has to say: Wisebread Article by Paul Michael dives into 8 easy DIY car repairs. Paul highlights a few vehicle maintenance jobs that could be done at home for those who want to expand their skills! What Jen and Jill have to say: We love the problem solving/DIY approach!! There are some BOLD suggestions Check out some simple car maintenance on youtube like this one: https://www.youtube.com/user/scottykilmer BILL OF THE WEEK- Thanks Hannah from Souderton, PA for your awesome Bill of the Week!! We did not know this about duck bills! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Our experience: If you are wondering "how much should I spend on a car?" check out this article which gives a great break-down! https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-car-can-you-afford Basically, 10-35% of annual income IN CASH should be spend on a car Buying quality used cars in cash has been the best system for us! Sponsors: Budgeting - do it! podcastcrafter.com - for all your podcasting needs! Check them out to get started!

What the internet has to say: Eat This Article This article shares 20 ways to reduce your restaurant bill. Some tips are obvious, some tips are noteworthy, and some tips should never be used! The frugal friends discuss the highlights! What Jen and Jill have to say: Avoid tips, and supplement with food at home by taking it 'to-go' Ask about status discounts (teacher, law enforcement, military, etc.) Split/share meals HAPPY HOURS! Don't show up starving - eat a snack Jen's rant about not asking your server for free food What the internet has to say: The Simple Dollar Article 15 strategies for saving money at restaurants are listed and include some great tips for real savings, like purchasing discounted gift cards and implementing a more frugal mindset when dining out. What Jen and Jill have to say: Utilize discounted gift cards through sites like Gift Card Granny Check for coupons through sites like Valpak Consider going to restaurants that offer free appetizers (bread, chips, etc) Portion control :) BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your 'Bill of the Week'  call our Google Voicemail at 570-995-1540 Jen and Jills favorite tips for dining out: Jen: mystery shopping Coyle Hospitality Bestmark Customer Impact Confero Jill: Utilize websites like Groupon Order from the kids menu!

What the internet has to say: Thrifty Nomad Article In this article the thrifty nomads share some very tangible tips for reducing the cost of plane tickets. Some lesser known tricks like using an 'incognito' window are shared with instructions on how to incorporate this into your flight search routine! What Jen and Jill have to say: Use an incognito window when searching flights Befriend budget airlines (Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit - they aren't so bad!) Utilize websites like Airfare Watchdog to score cheap flights What the internet has to say: Thrillest Article Sophie-Claire Hoeller shares 12 hacks to save money on plane tickets. Included are some risky tips, but also some helpful insights that are worth implementing the next time you go to book a flight! What Jen and Jill have to say: Purchase tickets 47 days in advance (if possible) Jill thinks some tips like 'hidden city ticketing', using a 'fake location' are 'sketchy' and advises to proceed with caution - BUT definitely report back if you do this and it works! Jen and Jill's favorite tips for saving on flights: Jill: ITA Matrix - the website looks like it hasn't been updated since 2001, and you can't actually purchase tickets through the site, but it allows for comprehensive and advanced searches for finding the best deals! Travel and Leisure Article explains how to use the ITA matrix Jen: Southwest companion pass explained HERE Referral link: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/223/EPP76MYV1L

What the Internet has to say: BuzzFeed Article Rachel outlines 33 ways to save money on your wedding. Tips on everything from day of the week, to choosing the right vendors are covered. What Jen and Jill have to say: Jen likes #4 outside vendors, and #15 venues with visual appeal Jill disagrees on #2 - 'taking your time' What the Internet has to say: Woman Getting Married Article Jen Goldenburg takes a close look at wedding dresses, and shares 5 ways to save money on this important element. What Jen and Jill have to say: Jen likes #5 non-wedding gown - obviously because this is what she did! Jill shares her frugal fail (http://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/episode-6-how-to-save-money-on-a-wedding-part-1/) Most Expensive Parts of A Wedding - What the Frugal Friends did Venue Jen - a shuffle board court! Jill - cheapest church in town that could seat 300! Rings Jen - Pawn Shop Haggling Jill - Antique/Consignment store Photographer Jen - Friends! Jill - Budding photographer friend using wedding to build portfolio and brother-in-law for second shooter Flowers Jen - Did not buy many flowers - she thought the shuffle board court was beautiful enough! Jill - Eric picked her flowers day of the wedding Wedding Freebies Free invitations that don’t suck - Wedding Chicks Other Wedding Freebies - The Balance

What the internet has to say: Lauren Greutman Article Lauren shares 15 ways to reduce utility costs and covers everything from washer/dryer tricks to negotiating with your electric provider. What Jen and Jill have to say: Doing chores that involve electricity at night may mean paying a lower utility rate - check with your provider Rotating ceiling fan blades/switching direction of ceiling fan (i.e. pull warm air up/push cold air down, or vice versa) Protecting windows from drafts in the winter - Jill's recommended shrink film HERE Switch to LED bulbs for reduced electrical costs 2700 Kelvin Color Temperature is the equivalent to a soft white incandescent What the internet has to say: The Simple Dollar Article Trent shares 40 ways to save money on common monthly expenses. There are some overlap suggestions from the Greutman article, but also some great reminders about thinking differently and approaching expenses from a more frugal perspective. What Jen and Jill have to say: Jill really did not resonate with this article and openly shares her contrary opinions to numbers 13, 32, and 36. After all, what functioning adult - alive in 2018 - has an epiphany that they no longer need their cell phone?! Jen took a more level-headed approach and affirms the suggestions of using power strips/timers, and eliminating unnecessary subscriptions. Ways we save money and what’s worth spending on Shop around and call every few months for a better deal - this works particularly with cell phone and cable service providers Reduce use - identify ways to cut back on TV spending, don't use the dryer for the full cycle, etc. Pay off debt - this IS worth spending money on! Freedom awaits! Frugal Fail Jen shares her internet/phone service fail BILL OF THE WEEK! Call us at 570-995-1540 and leave a voicemail! Share your bill of the week and be featured on our podcast!

Three Books is Ela Area Public Library’s podcast series where our hosts, Becca and Christen, chat about three popular/favorite books. Jen Eberle, talks about the Babysitters Club, transitioning from teacher to school librarian, and her feelings on everything from Summer Reading to foxes. 0:00:25 Introducing Jen Eberle 0:01:15 Why Jen loves books 0:02:27 Jen’s education background 0:04:51 BOOK 1- Life of Pi 0:10:56 BOOK 2- Option B 0:12:43 Why best sellers get a bad rap 0:19:46 BOOK 3- Eleanor and Park 0:27:03 Jen’s first library experience 0:30:34 What Jen is reading now 0:34:51 Jen’s Teacup animal 0:42:46 I hate Holden Caulfield 0:47:57 The Outsiders is not great literature 0:52:49 The right kind of summer reading for kids 1:00:04 Getting kids to be “popcorn” readers 1:15:12 Closing Thoughts Jen’s Three Books: Life of Pi by Yann Martel Option B by Sheryl Sandberg Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell Other Titles/Information Discussed: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling The Bible Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Children of Blood & Bone by Tomi Adeyemi The Selection Series by Kiera Cass Holding Up The Universe Jennifer Niven A Step From Heaven by An Na Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok (stated as Lost In Translation) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes Still Me by Jojo Moyes Spliced by Jon McGoran The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl American Panda by Gloria Chao Good Enough by Paula Yoo If I Stay by Gayle Forman I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell "Nothing Gold Can Stay" a poem by Robert Frost The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown The Shoe Books Series by Noel Streatfeild The Baby-Sitters Club Series by Ann M. Martin You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins Caraval by Stephanie Garber Saving Marty by Paul Griffin Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys V.C. Andrews (author) Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Listening To - Stay Gold by Stevie Wonder Three Books Social Media: Show notes: eapl.org/threebooks Email: threebookspodcast@gmail.com Twitter - @threebookspod

The Case for Renting What the Internet has to say: Market Watch Article Jacob Passy boldy supports his claims that, in some cases, it makes more sense to rent than buy. Citing shifts in economics and the housing market, Jacob gives a convincing argument to stick with the landlord, and enjoy the freedom that comes with renting. What Jen and Jill have to say: You do run the risk of rent inflation but when you own your taxes increase too so you’re not immune. Renting includes being absolved from fixing anything that breaks, renters insurance is a fraction of the cost of homeowners insurance, you don’t have to pay property taxes, there is no interest lost when you rent. Jen -"we love our house but it's a luxury". The house you live in isn’t an investment, it’s a home. Until you’re ready to incur the cost of maintenance, upkeep, and designing it to be a place you love, no one, including yourself, should rush you into buying. You’re not missing out on anything by renting, it’s the frugal thing to do. Mic drop Alternative Housing: Jill shares on her journey of renting inexpensively, living in an RV, house-sitting, and living with grandma! Things to remember: Rates are always at “attractive lows” and housing prices are always “only going up from here” Start doing best practices to increase your credit score and decrease your your debt-to-income ratio (less than 28%). Better yet, get out of debt first! Your goal is to qualify for a conventional loan. Save your downpayment (the more you save the lower your interest rate and less PMI you’ll have to pay.) And look at grants. What the Internet has to say: Coach Carson Article Chad Carson gives a very thorough description (with pictures!) of his 'house hacking' journey. The article includes Chad's own break down of the costs incurred and revenue accrued from his fourplex, along with a creative guide for others who are interested in 'house hacking'. What Jen and Jill have to say: Chad Carson is who Jen learned house hacking from - she always assumed it was an option, but Chad actually gave it a name! Jen's version of 'house hacking' includes renting out a room in their single family home on Airbnb The Case Against a Commute: What the Internet has to say: Mr. Money Mustache Article Mr. Money exposes the true cost of commuting and dispels the myth that 'commuting is a good way to save money' What Jen and Jill have to say: Some people think opting for lower rent outside the city and settling for a 30-40 minute commute is the smart thing to do, but the frugal friends disagree. Jen agrees with Mr. Money Mustache that you should pay the higher rent to live close to your work and life if you’re willing to 1) bike to work 2) sell your financed cars (and never finance cars again!) This math is worthy of the show notes:  A couple that wanted to live in a more affordable neighborhood added 38 extra miles a day - and using the IRS’s standard 51 cents a mile for deductions - estimated they’d pay an extra $19 every weekday to live in the cheaper neighborhood. Not to mention the commute in traffic would take 40 minutes each way. That’s $4700.00, which if spent differently, could mean a big dent in your debt or almost completely funding your IRA. Another option is finding a job close to your affordable home. It’s easy to get complacent at a job with people you like and tasks you know how to do but being on the lookout for higher paying jobs with/or better benefits packages closer to home should always be on your radar.

This episode (and all episodes) brought to you by Eric Sirianni Productions. www.ericsirianni.com What the internet has to say: Root and Revel Article In this article, Kate lists 30 ways to save money and eat healthy on a budget. Included is the 'cheat sheet' on where to prioritize purchasing organic, how to make your own condiments, and resources to buy and support local agriculture. What Jen and Jill have to say: Buy food, use food Reduce animal product consumption Disagree with meal kit delivery service one Drink water! It's good for you! What the internet has to say: Sustainable Baby Steps Article This writer argues that healthy food does not have to be expensive, and gives a strong case for why eating smart only appears to cost a lot of money. A long list of cheap, healthy food is given, and links to recipes are provided. What Jen and Jill have to say: Sustainable baby steps show you save money with whole foods but you pay in time The list of healthy and inexpensive snacks and foods is a winner! Learning how to cook, and the flavors you enjoy is key to embracing food the frugal way The Organic Debate: THANK YOU Aldi! BILL OF THE WEEK  Wrap Up: Eating healthy is cheaper, but you pay in time and taste (unless you learn how to cook!) Budget your time (i.e. meal prep) Improve taste; research & practice makes perfect

Show Notes: ---- Penny Hoarder Article What the internet has to say: The article shares 20 ways to save money on clothes. Tips include saving, spending intentionally, and even preserving and properly washing clothing. What Jen and Jill have to say: Thrift stores - YES! Hang dry clothing - Frugal Friends call this a 'two birds, one stone' situation; preserve clothes, AND save on utility costs Dry Clean at home DIY Dry Cleaning ---- Money Talks Article What Jen and Jill have to say: Buy out of season Skip expensive workout clothes Organize a clothing swap with friends - another 'two birds, one stone' scenario; hanging out with friends AND getting 'new to you' clothing! ---- How Jen and Jill save money on clothes: Jen - buying quality, buying out of season, referral programs Jill - thrift stores, mending, and swapping ---- What Jen and Jill WILL spend money on: underwear (the line has to be drawn somewhere!) staple shoes (i.e. boots, quality sandals) coats (out of season is still best!) BILL OF THE WEEK  Thanks Lisa! The Frugal Friends think 'Bill' the dog sounds like a real gem! ---- Wrap Up: Challenge yourself to not spend money on clothes Clothing swap with friends If you have kids, clothes swap with other parents Utilize referral programs - ThredUp & Schoola

Notable Notes: 1: 4 Pillars - Categories to anticipate with Frugal Friends podcast episodes Clothing/Shopping Bills/Utilities Transportation Housing What the internet has to say 2: Frugalwoods Article Mrs. Frugalwoods (a.k.a. Liz Thames) identifies 19 reasons why frugality is the best - and the frugal friends agree! What Jen and Jill have to say: Frugality helps you identify your true priorities Frugality builds community Frugality means you'll never be bored Frugality leads to gratitude and joy 3: Millennial Money Article Grant went from a frugal guy who amassed $1M to flippantly spending over $200K in one year. In short; the spending didn’t make him feel better. What Jen and Jill have to say: Frugality is about spending wisely Frugality is about the journey, not the destination It is never too late to 'course correct' 4: BILL OF THE WEEK  Introduction of the most anticipated, interactive segment! Leave us a voicemail with your BILL OF THE WEEK at: 570-995-1540 5: Tenets of Frugality  The Law of Diminishing Returns (i.e. at some point you're wasting your time) Frugality allows you to discover what you truly value ( i.e. if frugality keeps you from what you love it’s cheapness) Frugality is good for the environment (i.e. you can’t buy your way to green)  Frugality refines your taste and style (i.e. you can have better things when you buy used and you’ll eventually stop buying those souvenir t-shirts you’ll never wear) Frugality allows you more time to increase your income (i.e. the best way to not spend money is to spend time making it!) Frugality will not make you rich (i.e. sorry, not sorry) #frugalnotcheap

Jen Hemphill shares tips from her book "Her Money Matters" that can help you shift your money mindset, set goals, and master your finances. Guest Biography Jen Hemphill, a military spouse & proud bilingual Latina, helps women who are tired of the traditional money advice gain a renewed sense of control, confidence and freedom in their financial life. She is a Money Confidence Coach, an AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor) and host of the Her Money Matters® Podcast. Her first book Her Money Matters: The Missing Truths From Traditional Money Advice helps to fill the missing gaps for when you are financially stuck. Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/030 In this episode, you will learn: What Jen thinks is missing from conventional personal finance advice. Why defining your money stories -- past, present, and future is helpful. Finding happiness and clarity by creating a dream budget. Find more from our guest: jenhemphill.com Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Google+ Pinterest Mentioned in this episode Her Money Matters: The Missing Truths From Traditional Money Advice - Jen's book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth - by T. Harv Eker Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter or Facebook. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read each one. Email me your address, and I'll mail you an autographed copy of Kimo West and Ken Emerson's CD, Slackers in Paradise. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Special thanks to Jim Kimo West for the music.

Jen Esquer is a Physical Therapist helping people tune into their own bodies and discover what movement feels like within them. Jen created The Mobility Method, a program with the tools to relieve pain, prevent injury, optimize movement, lift heavier, squat lower, and more.   This amazing woman’s mission is to heal the world by empowering others to heal themselves. She believes that becoming educated about what is happening in your body is the most powerful piece of knowledge for establishing health and longevity for a pain-free and active lifestyle.   What Jen is doing in the world is already helping so many people and I’m so excited that I got to see that being born. Jen joined me to talk about her journey to becoming a Physical Therapist and making the leap to start her business online, what we’re getting wrong about pain, the real need we have for compassion, and so much more.   Radically Moved Jen   Acknowledging that we have the responsibility to understand our pain Uncovering where pain truly comes from and releasing the blocks Appreciating what you do have when what you don’t have seems huge   Radically Inspired Clarity   When a baby develops, they are able to put their foot in their mouth before they can walk. We need to get back to natural progression as adults. We have to learn how to have acceptance and compassion for ourselves and the things we can’t do right now.   Jen Esquer Answers…   How do you improve health through physical mobility? What’s the biggest obstacle people face when they want to fix their pain? How can we be more patient when it comes to changing our body?   Radically Loved Quotes   “Are we really getting down to the cause so the symptom won’t come back again?”   “Your body is really good at taking care of itself.”   “You have the ability to change and adapt. It might be slow, but who cares?”   “You have to have a vision of what you want within yourself.”   A Little More About Our Guest   www.docjenfit.com  

Tragedy struck Jen Betts, in the year 2000. As she was walking into a room, a playful environment, where somebody was swinging something around and she walked right into it, causing ocular damage to her left eye, and leaving her blind in one eye. Now, after the tragedy, she's left with only a couple of options; just sit down and be depressed, or get up and keep going. Courageously, she chose to keep going, keep pushing, and be more positive, in spite of the setback. Fast forward to, today. Jen Betts now runs a Public Relations company called Innovative PR and her specialty or area of interest is Entertainment Strategy. Now, this is where things get interesting. Her educational background came from nursing which is super different from PR. She's done her Bachelors, Masters in Nursing and thereafter, her specialty and Family Practice all related to the medical field. More so, she's born and raised in a family, that has only dealt with medicine and nursing throughout her lifetime. Innovative PR specializes in social and digital media with marketing and content creation capabilities. Their clientele ranges across various industries, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, nonprofits, corporations, content creators and digital influencers. Now, how did Jen get into PR the world? How was she able to make the Pivot and become super successful? When asked about what it took her to get to where she is today, she simply answers, 'There's just a lot of no sleep' Listen to her interesting story and mind opening insights. Click below. In this show you will learn: What was the process for Jen Betts from start off, to her current position of being the president of her firm in the public relations industry How did Jen realize it was the right time to make a pivot and go start an own company, what were those decisions like and what she learnt about herself in those decisions The specific skills set that Jen learned as a nurse that she was able to take into the PR world and using them effectively to date Challenges Jen faced in bringing top characteristics from a very service minded, medical, taking care of people, nursing background into Hollywood where there are people that are trying to do things for their own best interests and they're very selfish and it's all about me. How is she able to maintain a level of authenticity in the process What is most important to Jen in the midst of all the opportunity to accomplish the next thing or to get to the next level, while still standing for integrity What Jen does actively and regularly to make sure she's at the top of the list What does it take to turn a tragedy into triumph? What could be the process to help somebody overcome tragedy and become triumphant in their life? What keeps people from asking for help What you do to build and sustain a high quality relationship with people so that they do care about you and want to be around you so they don't think you're just there to take from them How would you increase your personal and professional value in life and business so that you can become more of an asset or ally to somebody else's life or a business What would a small business owner without the money or budget do, because of their  love to do some Public Relations One message of Inspiration to the listeners Tweetables What has got me here, there's just a lot of no sleep I made the decision of starting an own company after being loyal to a group of people in my industry for a certain amount of time People are so scared about asking for help and they're so prideful Everybody needs to use toughest times in their life to persevere in business and take our personal challenges and conquer business in a proper and positive and courteous way Anybody who's going through a dark time, to become triumphant; you need your time to work through the phases of crisis It's really important for people to take the time to get to know people and then understand how that relationship can flourish for business It's not about what others can do for you; it's about that you're interested in them because of their talent In life, it's so much easier to be negative and not to be positive. It takes time and will to be positive Drive is that want, that desire, that want to do it, the hard part to try and find within your soul

The first female coach in NFL history, Dr. Jen Welter reminds us all that barriers are meant to be broken. Welter coached the Arizona Cardinals’ linebackers during 2015 training camp under head coach Bruce Arians and was the first female to play running back for a men’s professional football team as a player for the Texas Revolution. Named one of the 25 most influential women in sport by espnW, Welter’s inspiring story has been shared in the New York Times, Vogue, The Huffington Post and Fortune. On today’s episode, Welter talks about the importance of authentic leadership, the value of diverse teams, and how she got comfortable taking career risks. Her new book, Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL, is available for pre-order now. Show Notes Why breaking barriers matters (5:00) “No risk it, no biscuit.” What Jen learned from Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (7:14) Overcoming the fear of rejection (9:10) Own your strengths and your weaknesses (11:18) Getting “punted” into coaching (14:55) How she built connection and trust with pro players (18:10) The value of diverse leadership teams (22:00) What it takes to compete at the highest level (28:32) Her new book Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL (32:27) Defining authentic leadership (34:40)

Session 235 Jen Briney is host of the Congressional Dish podcast and joins me today to talk about our current healthcare system and where it may be headed. Enter to win a free copy of my new book The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview. Text BOOKGIVEAWAY to 44222. Promo runs until June 4, 2017. Today's guest is very interesting as it's someone who wouldn't normally be here on the podcast but with the changing landscape of our U.S. healthcare system, I thought of bringing an expert in this field. Jen Briney's Congressional Dish podcast is devoted to talking about bills that go through Congress. She has read the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Current TBAC, the new AHCA, and has discussed what's in there or not. She comes on the podcast today to talk about these things so you can come prepared for your medical school interviews. This is going to be a good primer for our healthcare system even if you listen to this in 2018 or 2019, assuming there are no dramatic changes. [03:15] The Congressional Dish Podcast Being a Congress-watcher, Jen watches Congressional hearing and reads bills and laws being created so that taxpayers, like her, would know what's going with their money. What led her to become so familiar with healthcare was the government shutdown in 2013 when the Republicans were trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She did not like the system as a whole because it's an insurance system, not a healthcare system. But Jen believes it's better than we had before because rules have been put in on the insurance industry. Currently, the Republicans have control of all of government. They're trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act but instead of repealing it, they're putting together bills very quickly with no hearings and no overall plan. What Jen does now is she's reading all the different versions. She has read the first one that failed. But now the house just passed another version of the American Health Care Act, which she's reading for her next episode. [05:22] An Insurance Policy, Not a Healthcare Policy Jen explains there are different ways you can give people healthcare. A lot of other countries do "single payer" where you pay taxes and the government pays for healthcare. It's one of those essential government functions. Conversely, the United States buys health insurance which is supposed to cover the big catastrophes. Before the ACA, these are for profit companies so what they would do is only cover healthy people because it would cost them the least. What health insurance does is you give them $100 a month and as long as you're healthy, they just put that in their pockets. That's profit. But as soon as you get sick, that's when they have to start to pay for stuff and they really don't like this part. In order to have this system that still had private insurance at the center of it, the Affordable Care Act put rules in place. Before the ACA, there would be lifetime limits. You'd sign up for a plan. You get cancer and then you look in the fine print of your insurance and they would say, "Once we hit $1 million, we're not paying for anything for you ever again." And you would go bankrupt. Another common practice with health insurance where once someone would get sick, they would just drop their plan. They would no longer cover you because they don't have to. Basically, they were doing all kinds of shady things to make money. Why Jen thinks the ACA is better is because there are certain rules. For instance, there are now 10 essential health benefits that if you buy health insurance, they have to cover it such as preventive care. Jen shares her experience that when she went to get a physical exam and all the little bills came in, it cost her over $400. Now, that's illegal. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act. They also have to cover things like ambulances, hospital stays, maternity, prescription drugs, etc. There are things now that when you buy insurance, you know you're going to get. It's better than it was was before but it's still based on private insurance. What you see now is these insurance companies liked the old days where they could profit by making up all the rules. Now the people in Congress working on behalf of the insurance industry are trying to make those rules go away. These are the people writing legislation designed to help the insurance industry to be more profitable. They're eliminating these rules so these essential health benefits are going to be flexible in certain states, if states wanted to, so they won't have to cover those essential health benefits anymore. This is not something that's good for the people, but it's good for the businesses. [08:50] Congress Working for Businesses, Not for the People Jen mentions the website OpenSecrets.org where you can look and see these people who are voting for this elimination of rules and you can see where they're getting their campaign funding from and in almost every case, you can see the health insurance industry and health professionals. Then you can see these companies get invited to help write these bills to repeal the Affordable Care Act. In fact, these insurance companies were in the room to write the Affordable Care Act, as well as the pharmaceutical companies.  These health insurance companies want to exist so they use their lobbying power to stay in existence and that is the basis of the Affordable Care Act. Jen says a lot of people call it the "poison pill" and no one right now in Congress is talking about the "single payer" system, the tax-funded system that works in so many other countries. Jen explains why she says these people are working for businesses and not for us is because when you look at what they're doing, that's who benefits. Jen always looks at who benefits financially. With the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA), it's the businesses that benefit from it. [10:21] The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) In Episode 48 of the Congressional Dish podcast, Jen read the Obamacare and shares some big takeaways. First, it puts rules on the private insurance industry. It allows the private insurance industry to remain the main way that people get their healthcare in the United States. As opposed to now, if you wanted to get a government plan, you have to get Medicaid, a program for poor people that gives them their health insurance. The federal government picks up all of the Medicaid funding for the states that accepted it. It basically expanded the program beyond what it used to be. So it allows poor people to get government-funded health insurance. Medicare, on the other hand, is for people over the age of 65 and for the most part, they also get government-sponsored healthcare. Everybody else is in the middle. If you make more than 133% of the poverty line or under the age of 65, you have to get health insurance in order to get healthcare for the most part. This is the basis of the Affordable Care Act. It's a very complicated system that tries to put rules in the private insurance companies so that they will not go bankrupt but still have to cover people with pre-existing conditions. This is expensive because these as your healthcare provider, these insurance companies would have to pay for those benefits for your entire life and they don't want to do that. Hence, ACA forces them to cover you and it forces healthy people to get health insurance to outweigh those costs. Jen thinks it's a very delicate system with a lot of moving parts that have to work together in order to make this private insurance system work. However, this is currently being actively dismantled. Jen admits she doesn't know what to study when it comes to ACA because we really don't know how much of this is going to survive. [13:15] Different Ways to Get Health Insurance One way to get health insurance today is the individual market which didn't exist before. For instance, Jen as a podcaster doesn't have a big corporation paying for her health insurance so if she were single and needed health insurance, she would have to go to each individual company and try to figure out what they cover which can be very confusing. Jen basically ended up with a $400 physical since she had no idea what she was buying. One of the basics of the ACA is that it has created this individual insurance market where people could go on a website and pick a plan from a selection of companies offering it and compare them based on the premium, coverage, percentages - all of which are being explained, which didn't exist before. Through the ACA, it separated your healthcare from your employer so you could quit your job and still have health insurance. Apparently, there are so many people in this country that are clinging onto jobs they don't like because of their health insurance. Other ways of getting health insurance include the small group market and the large employers, where most people in the country are still getting their insurance from. Moreover, the ACA also requires that employers buy plans that cover those ten essential benefits and have minimum of what needs to be provided in return for premiums. Jen ultimately stresses that the Affordable Care Act keeps the private insurance company at the center of our healthcare and try to make it so they can be profitable and yet we get coverage with fewer medical bankruptcies. Jen adds that this did not eliminate medical bankruptcies in the U.S. nor did it cover everybody but it is better than it was before. Basically, it's a stepping stone. [15:25] Medical Bankruptcy and Hospitals Covering healthcare Even if you don't have insurance, you're going to get care anyway, right? You show up to a hospital and you're going to get the care you need. Is this how it works? Jen thinks it's anecdotal but that's not how it works. Before the ACA, Jen's friend got cancer at 15 years old. She went into remission. They had one awesome summer and then the cancer came back. She was told she was going to need a bone marrow transplant. That's what was submitted to her health insurance company but someone behind the desk decided it was too expensive and said no. Because her parents were not millionaires, she died. So you can't really separate medical bankruptcy from getting care. If you got hit by a car and you get brought to a hospital, you're going to get the basics so you can get out of there. But what about the follow-up care? What about cancer treatments? You can't get that in emergency rooms. Jen firmly says this is inaccurate to say that hospitals have to cover you. They do cover the minimums like emergency care but the maintenance and the preventive stuff, that's what keeps you alive long term and that is not covered in the emergency room, especially not on a systemic level when there 325 million people in the U.S. [17:14] Democrats versus Republicans Jen has observed that there is so much corporate influence in our Congress right now on both sides. You have the Republican party that wants the insurance industry to write the rules. So they get to call the shots and they decide who gets covered and who doesn't because they believe in an economic theory. They believe in it so strongly that Jen is convinced they're not really looking at it from the people's perspective. They want people to have access to healthcare but access is different from "actually" having healthcare. So the Republicans are really working on behalf of businesses in a way that I think clouds their judgment. As with the Democrats, they're also corporate in a certain way so they're the ones who created the Affordable Care Act. Instead of nationalizing the healthcare industry like it is in so many other countries, they are also creating the system and doing the middle of the road thing. They can keep the private health insurance in control as long as there are rules. But the people who just want to get healthcare as part of being American citizens are vastly outnumbered in our Congress right now. [19:00] Healthcare as a Business Unfortunately, there is no side that is saying that access to doctors and getting healthcare is just an essential that everybody needs. Jen thinks there is an ideological battle happening and it seems to her that government should be covering the things that we all need but we don't know when. The problem with treating healthcare like any other business is you can't opt out of it. It's not a restaurant, you can't choose to not go there and cook at home. You need the doctors when you need them. And the Republican party, specifically, sees healthcare as a business. Jen adds it's not necessarily a left versus right thing. Instead, is this a business and should it be for profit or should be a part of the government? This is the real battle going on right now and business is winning big time. Let's say, you got bitten by a dog and you're bleeding. Are you supposed to go to Yelp for doctors and figure out which one is the cheapest? And then go to the cheapest one questioning where this doctor actually got their degree. Jen doesn't think this makes sense on so many levels. When you're sick the only thing you're thinking of is how do you get better. You're afraid for you actual life. This is why health insurance companies are an amazing profitable business because it's something we all need and will pay anything for. We don't question our doctors and for most of us, doctors are gods. Again, it's not a business; at least, it's not supposed to be a business. It's not like buying a shirt and choose from different stores. But it matters when it's your health because you only have one body and if you screw it up, game over. [23:45] It’s Going to Get More Expensive! Jen bluntly admits that she is horrified with what the current administration is trying to do by making it all for profit again. It's not a normal business and so a lot of people are going to get hurt by this. With the new American Health Care Act, if it becomes a law, people with pre-existing conditions still have to be covered technically but there are so many loopholes that they've now written into the system. The The MacArthur Amendment got passed in the house. It's basically a waiver that lets states waive the essential health benefits and states can create the essential health benefits, state by state. This implies that not only will states be able to define the categories of benefits but they also get to decide what's in those categories. For example, a state may decide to only cover three prescription drugs instead of a lot of them which were supposed to be covered or a state may decide they won't cover ambulances anymore. Moreover, when you get sick, the ACA puts a limit that you only have to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket. Those are all tied tied to the essential health benefits. With the MacArthur Amendment, each state is allowed to determine what essential health benefits mean and it's also going to determine your lifetime and annual limits and what your out-of-pocket expenses are. Jen thinks this is just going to be much more expensive for customers on so many different levels that people are going to skip care because they can't afford it. Additionally, they say it's designed to reduce premiums. By eliminating the rules on the insurance companies, it's true that premiums might go down because the plans do not cover anything. Jen had one of those. She got her plan for $80 a month but when she went to get a physical, it was $400. Imagine if she actually got sick! That's what they're going back to. Jen says they promise this is only the first step. The main goal is to allow the private insurance companies to do what they will. This is Jen's biggest concern (and ours too!) because they exist not to provide the best healthcare but to make as much money as they can and divvy it up to their shareholders. This is what for profit corporations do. Jen explains it's not necessarily evil but it is when you do it with healthcare. Again, you're talking about desperate people that will pay anything for their own health. So she doesn't see anything good about it. [27:35] The Car Insurance Analogy To better understand what Jen has just discussed, it's like car insurance. When you're looking for a car insurance from a premium standpoint, you're typically looking for the cheapest thing possible and you're not digging around aspects like towing service, accident coverage, or parts replacement. All you want is the cheapest premium because you're a poor college student. Allowing patients to choose the cheapest premium without understanding that back-end of what they're actually buying. They're basically betting on the American population to not be smart. Jen thinks it's not even smart because what they do is deceptive and put it in the fine prints. Those are tricky things insurance companies do so you're not aware. They don't want you to be aware because they want to get out of covering you when you actually do get sick. Jen got a cheaper plan for her car and when her battery died and called her insurance asking for roadside assistance, she found out she's not covered for it anymore. She ended up asking for help from someone. Good thing it wasn't a big deal, but what if it was? However, the problem with comparing health insurance and car insurance, is that you actually don't need a car. So if you don't want to pay premiums, you may choose not to have a car. But you don't have the option to not have a body. You basically don't have any choice. So even if you compare it to other insurances, it doesn't make sense because you don't have to own a car or a home and even life insurance. [30:40] Where to Read and Understand the Bills For those who want to know more about these policies, Jen recommends you go straight to the bill. It can be super painful to read legislation but Jen has seen so many conflicting information from sources written by other people. Hence, the best way to truly understand it is to go to Congressional sources and read what they're reading. Jen says it's not that intimidating. She's outlining the stuff on Congressional Dish and she links to all the individual provisions. Jen uses GovTrack.us to look at the status of bills as well as those that have already been enacted. Jen considers reading the Affordable Care Act was the most miserable experience for her and found it so difficult. It has ten sections. She actually ready the first nine and found out that the tenth edits the first nine. But if you truly want to understand what the system is, you have to go to the bills and the U.S. code and read it. The codes can be confusing to read because of all the numbers or codes written but the laws are written in plain English. So you can go to the sections of the law itself and just read it to understand. It's not as hard as reading bills because you don't have to jump back and forth. [33:20] What Happens to AHCA Now? AHCA has passed the House and now it's in the Senate. Jen explains that what happens from here is that it may be changed because the Senators are not happy with it as it is. The people on the committees don't give Jen hope that it's going to be changed in a way that protects people more. There are certain Republican senators that are uncomfortable with people losing their insurance and having it be more expensive. But there's also a group that are ideologically opposed to the idea that the government puts any kind of restraints on private business and they see healthcare as a business. Two of these people, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, are going to be involved in the shaping of the Senate's version and jen says they just don't believe in government. The best we can hope for in this Congress is that the whole thing just stops. Jen hopes we can make enough noise that the Senate doesn't vote on it or it fails in the Senate. Timing-wise. Jen heard they want to have this vote in the Senate done by August. This means we have a couple of months to make a fuss in the Senate particularly. The House's rule is done for now (May 2017). So you have to focus from now until August of 2017 unless it's passed sooner. [35:40] Jen's Message to Doctors Jen wants to emphasize to doctors that private insurance is based on a lot of paperwork. There are a lot of receptionists hired to fight with the private insurance industry and a lot of times, the doctors care more about the patient. Jen says what happens to many doctors is they end up having to be insurance experts to help their patients get better and not go bankrupt. So doctors are involved in this and if you like to minimize your cost, minimizing the role of insurance would be good. Insurance companies don't want to pay because that's their business model and you want to get paid. So it's important for doctors to really pay attention to what's going on right now. Having read the bill, Jen encourages doctors in all of their interest to fight it as she thinks there is no good going on here. Jen's friend has Crohn's disease and she's working on moving to New Zealand so that if this becomes a law, she's out. Jen stresses this is how serious this is for your patients. It sounds extreme but it is extreme! This is what keeps Jen awake at night and she thinks this should keep us awake at night too. [39:05] Not a Carefully Crafted Bill Lastly, Jen mentions how fast this is being crafted. It's not something the Republican have been working on for the last eight years since the Affordable Care Act. This bill they passed in the House was not available to read the night before the vote. It was not on the internet. The Congressional Budget Office does the really in-depth analysis of the financials but they were not done with this until the week of May 22, which is in the future of when this bill was actually passed. They simply just wanted to get something passed and so they passed it. Jen thinks this is so reckless. It's not a carefully crafted bill but something that has been thrown together last minute and the effects be damned. This is the same as a doctor not evaluating a patient, giving them some antibiotics and if something doesn't work, another doctor will fix them. [40:30] Be Informed Jen outlined the Affordable Care Act on the Congressional Dish podcast episode 048 and linked them to specific provisions. Episode 151 is Jen's next episode where she will be linking to all these provisions she's talking about when she outlines the American Health Care Act. You may also get a free app so you can get the show notes on your phone as you listen. Links: Enter to win a free copy of my new book The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview. Text BOOKGIVEAWAY to 44222. Congressional Dish podcast Congressional Dish Podcast Episode 048: The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) OpenSecrets.org Affordable Care Act American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA) Medicaid Medicare The MacArthur Amendment GovTrack.us

Sneaky backdoor tactics from Congress. How to earn money podcasting. What I learned from Donald Trump about Facebook ads and crowdfunding from his successful election run. This is a potentially controversial and assuredly fascinating interview with Jen Briney! A few highlights from this interview include: - What Jen did before getting into politics and podcasting. - How Jen ended up in Germany and the stark differences she found there versus the United States. - The incident on C-SPAN that was the catalyst for her. - The last minute tactic that allows scandalous bills to become laws. - How companies got immunity to transfer our information to the government. - What I learned from Donald Trump’s campaign to use in my own crowdfunding campaigns. - How Jen earns money to support her podcast and business. - What is the value for value model? - How Jen interacts with her audience on the air. - A key takeaway from Jen as a business owner.

Jen Gilchrist has been an Entrepreneur for 17 years, and a Spiritual Mentor for 6 years.  She has gone from Struggling Single Mom to a 6-figure Business Owner –making money doing what she loves and empowering others to do the same. Jen is the creator of the Blissful Bride Program and Enlightened Entrepreneur Program. When we are in a place that we need more direction, or can’t seem to find the answers… that’s the time to turn inward and really pay attention.  The answers are not external of you, they are within you right now- but you do have to learn to listen.  That inner wisdom starts with slowing down long enough to breathe and then tune in – Tool for having more clarity and inspiration: T: Talk, to your body to see what you need. L: Listen, to what your body is asking for. C: Commit, to doing whatever is being asked of you. To connect with Jen Gilchrist: http://empoweredwomansleadership.com (www.empoweredwomensleadership.com) Free gift: http://empoweredwomansleadership.com/soulgift (www.empoweredwomenleadership.com/soulgift) Best Advice: Follow your heart and your dreams.  Don’t give up! What Jen believes to be true: I know that everyone has the power that they need within them, to accomplish anything.  And you are supported and guided along the way.   Thanks for Listening and Subscribing! Also, for my blogs (my take on every episode) go to: http://www.innernorthstar.com (www.innernorthstar.com) and receive my free eBook with my appreciation for joining the tribe! Thank you so much for joining me on this episode. If you have some feedback you'd like to share, leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see to the left of this post. Also, https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-changer-podcast/id1045184666?mt=2&ls=1 (please leave an honest review for The Game Changer Podcast on iTunes)! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And while you’re there, don't forget to https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-changer-podcast/id1045184666?mt=2&ls=1 (subscribe to the show on iTunes) to get automatic updates! Support this podcast

a poam (product of an act of making) that explores what lies at the fundamental level, at the heart of interaction --understandings of what happens in connections that explore chromatic manifestations of meaning. What Jen's ideas about Limited Fork Poetics look like, sound like.