

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

Jan 16, 2026 • 48min
This Level of Overconsumption is Organized Hoarding | Unhinged Hauls
Dive into the world of stockpile videos as the hosts explore their bizarre allure and how they shape our consumption habits. They tackle the clash between influencer culture and viewer disgust, dissecting the psychology behind organized hoarding. From aspirational pantries to makeup hauls, they uncover how these trends create envy and decision fatigue. The conversation also covers the dangers of chasing deals and the need to define what 'enough' means in a world steeped in excess, encouraging a more mindful approach to spending.

Jan 13, 2026 • 47min
Why Groceries Are So Expensive Now (& How You Can Save Money on Groceries in 2026)
Grocery prices are skyrocketing, and it’s not your imagination! The hosts delve into historical causes like COVID impacts, labor shortages, and global events affecting food costs. Discover money-saving strategies for 2026, including reverse meal planning and using frozen produce. They emphasize a simple four-meal rotation to minimize waste and streamline shopping. Personal routines, like meal prepping, are discussed alongside the importance of enjoying meals with tasty sauces. Learn to cook more at home to save money and embrace effective frugal habits!

20 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 51min
Why You Can’t Stop Shopping: The Psychology Brands Don't Want You to Know
Discover the psychology behind impulse shopping and why it's hard to resist. The hosts unveil four key mental triggers that drive us to shop. Learn how dopamine loops and social media influence our buying habits. They discuss the emotional reasons behind spending and share strategies for mindful shopping. Get tips on retraining your social media algorithms to curb unwanted triggers. Ultimately, embrace guilt-free spending by focusing on what you love and making ethical choices.

9 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 52min
How to Stop Overspending in 2026 | 4 Steps to Go From Spender to Saver
Join Rose Hahn, a personal finance creator and author, as she shares insightful tips on sustainable spending. Rose recounts her inspiring journey from debt to millionaire while emphasizing the importance of balancing enjoyment with financial goals. She discusses the significance of understanding emotional spending triggers and shares strategies for intentional purchases. The conversation highlights creating a values-aligned spending plan, redesigning environments to curb impulsive buys, and prioritizing experiences over status.

14 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 50min
Self-Improvement is a Lie | Deinfluencing "New Year New You" Motivation
This discussion challenges the annual 'New Year, New You' mantra, exposing how marketing exploits our insecurities to drive spending. The hosts critique the habit of procrastin-spending, where unused products clutter our lives instead of spurring action. They highlight the distinction between self-help for personal gain versus community benefit, emphasizing true growth linked to values. Practical advice for affordable self-improvement habits is shared, along with the importance of self-care over extreme routines. Ultimately, they advocate for balance and self-compassion in the pursuit of personal goals.

27 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 46min
26 Things to STOP BUYING to Save Money in 2026
As we approach 2026, it's time to rethink our spending habits. Discover 26 surprising items to stop buying, like single-serve coffee pods and seasonal decor, to save serious cash. Are you still paying for unused gym memberships or expensive tech accessories? Learn tips to skip high-cost essentials like bottled water and trendy kitchen gadgets. Find out how buying used toys can save money and explore smarter financial options like avoiding high-fee advisors. Embrace mindful spending for a richer financial future!

12 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 57min
Will Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps Work in 2026? (our actual experiences)
Jen and Jill evaluate the relevance of Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps in 2026. They discuss updating the starter emergency fund and propose a hybrid approach to debt payoff. Their 90-day debt fast track aims to inspire habit changes. The duo critiques the financial advice ecosystem and highlights low-cost investing. They emphasize adapting the Baby Steps to individual values rather than rigidly following the framework. Listener hacks spark engaging discussions about money strategies, blending personal finance with practicality.

13 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 59min
What ACTUALLY Works to Save Money in 2026 | New Save Money Tips
Discover 13 fresh money-saving hacks for 2026 that actually make sense! Learn how to auto-track price drops and never pay full medical bills again. Explore usage-based car insurance options and the benefits of buying refurbished tech. Bank smarter with high-yield accounts and cashback debit cards. Use grocery-list apps to cut down on shopping time and negotiate rent with data-driven tools. Plus, find innovative ways to borrow tools and join community solar options for lower electric bills. Uncover these gems for better savings!

Dec 19, 2025 • 45min
5 Best Budgeting Apps For Beginners (Pay Off More Debt in 2026!)
We’ve tested a lot of budgeting tools and apps over the years. Some are a win and some that honestly should’ve not been made. If you’re ready to finally get control of your money and pay off more debt this year, you’re in the right place. Stick with Jen and Jill as they showcase the five best budgeting apps for beginners!🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpbudgetingapps 📘 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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 16, 2025 • 48min
How to do a No-Buy or Low-Buy Year in 2026 (Our firsthand experiences!)
2026 is just days away, and before you know it you’ll be wondering how to make your budget work for the rest of the year. Let this be your sign if you’re planning a no-buy or low-buy year. Because Jen and Jill are breaking down exactly how to do it without the shame, burnout, or giving-up-2-weeks-in energy.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpnobuylowbuy 📘 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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


