

Frugal Friends Podcast
Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures
Controlling your spending is hard to do. On every episode of Frugal Friends, we'll try to help you gain a little more control on one aspect of the countless directions your money is being pulled toward through frugality and a few laughs. If you're trying to save money, spend less, adopt minimalism, pay off debt or reach financial independence, we think you'll like the show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 44min
How to Save $10K FAST (When You Earn Less Than $100K) | Save Money Fast
Discover five easy steps to save $10,000 quickly, even on a modest income. Learn about effective budgeting tools and innovative methods, like rebate apps. The hosts share personal stories of overcoming debt and emphasize the importance of intentional spending. Explore side hustles for extra income and strategies to cut unnecessary expenses. Automation and realistic savings goals are highlighted, providing actionable insights for financial freedom. Get ready to rethink your relationship with money and save more effectively!

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
She Spent HOW MUCH on Gifts!?!? | Spending Intervention
In this engaging discussion, guest Sam shares her eye-opening 90-day transaction inventory, revealing her surprise splurges and the motivations behind her gift-giving frenzy. The conversation dives into strategies for fostering intentional financial choices, from utilizing meal planning to manage grocery expenses, to navigating travel rewards with credit cards. Sam's experiences shed light on the emotional ties to spending and the importance of balancing generosity with financial mindfulness. Together, they explore actionable tips to break free from impulsive spending and embrace a more thoughtful approach.

Jul 15, 2025 • 53min
Deinfluencing Kid Stuff: These Parents are TEACHING OVERCONSUMPTION
Parents often feel pressured to overspend on their kids, leading to financial stress. The discussion dives into the balance between needs and wants, promoting mindful spending. Nostalgia for classic toys like Polly Pockets transitions into the importance of budgeting and financial literacy. Strategies for reducing excessive toy clutter and fostering meaningful play are highlighted. Additionally, the podcast delves into the financial strains of youth sports and extravagant birthday parties, advocating for authentic experiences over societal expectations.

16 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 51min
Save Money By Decluttering
Ingrid Jensen, co-founder of the Declutter Hub, brings her expertise on decluttering to the conversation. She shares how clearing clutter not only frees up space but also reveals forgotten treasures, like old coupons. The duo discusses the financial benefits of decluttering, linking it to improved spending habits and mental clarity. Ingrid's quirky anecdotes highlight the joy (and humor) in the decluttering journey, encouraging listeners to let go of sentimental items for a more enriching life. Join them for laughs and insights!

Jul 8, 2025 • 42min
How to Save Money on Medical Bills
It’s so normal for us, as a society, to avoid health check-ups out of fear of shocking medical bills. But in most cases, what you see on your medical bill isn’t the amount you actually have to pay. In this episode, experts share the most common medical billing mistakes, how to spot them, and steps to challenge charges, get discounts, and find hidden financial aid.Quick correction: In this episode, we said you have 120 days to apply but it’s actually 240 days. Even better!🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpmedicalbill 📘 Order the book herehttps://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 2x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks.https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter📣 Submit your bill of the week and get a shoutout from ushttps://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill-of-the-week/💸 Check out our monthly challenge communityhttp://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/club👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/frugalfriends💃🏼 Hang out with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 4, 2025 • 43min
Propaganda: How Shopping Became Patriotic
If you think about it, proving your love for your country almost sounds too easy—just shop, and you’re goods! Feels like a win-win. Only it’s not. And worse, it usually costs you more. In this episode, we unpack the propaganda that’s shaped the idea of shopping as a patriotic act. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffppatrioticshopping 📘 Order the book herehttps://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks.https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 📣 Submit your bill of the week and get a shoutout from ushttps://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill-of-the-week/ 💸 Check out our monthly challenge communityhttp://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/club 👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/frugalfriends 💃🏼 Hang out with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 52min
What to Do if You Have More Debt Than You Make in a Year
Debt doesn't have to be a lifelong burden! The hosts share their personal journeys through overwhelming debt, proving that recovery is possible with the right mindset. They discuss practical strategies to manage and reduce debt, highlighting the emotional toll it takes and offering a constructive perspective on viewing debt as a tool. Listeners will also find tips on enjoyable side hustles and community support, as well as insights into gaining financial freedom and making empowered choices.

11 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 47min
3-Day Digital Declutter Guide | Professional Organizer Explains with Tara Bremer
Tara Bremer, CEO of House Peace and a professional organizer with a psychology background, discusses the hidden costs of digital clutter. She emphasizes that just like physical mess, digital chaos can affect finances and mental health. Listeners will learn a three-day decluttering process and practical email management strategies, like unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters. Tara shares insights on simplifying digital spaces for better organization, balancing cherished memories with a stress-free digital life. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to tame their tech!

Jun 24, 2025 • 57min
What To Do If You Have Nothing Saved For Retirement
One day you're sipping coffee, getting ready for work, and it hits you—you’ve got nothing saved for retirement. Cue the panic. But Jen and Jill are here to remind you once more: it’s never too late. In this episode, they talk about how just getting started now can still make a big difference. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpretirementsaving 📘 Order the book herehttps://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks.https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 📣 Submit your bill of the week and get a shoutout from ushttps://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill-of-the-week/ 💸 Check out our monthly challenge communityhttp://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/club 👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/frugalfriends 💃🏼 Hang out with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 20, 2025 • 43min
Collectibles are PEAK Consumerism | Labubu, Sonny Angels, Stanley & More
Healing your inner child is one thing but giving in to every trending collectible might be saying more than you think, because the truth is, it is affecting your spending! This episode is not to deprive you of the fun, but to help you understand how these trendy (and sometimes irresistible) collectibles have hidden consequences and smart ways of luring you in. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpcollectibles 📘 Order the book herehttps://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! Our FREE 3x weekly newsletter with freebies, deals, and savings hacks.https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 📣 Submit your bill of the week and get a shoutout from ushttps://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill-of-the-week/ 💸 Check out our monthly challenge communityhttp://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/club 👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/frugalfriends 💃🏼 Hang out with us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.