

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

Dec 2, 2025 • 54min
Worst MLMs of 2025 Exposed! (they're not the ones you think!)
Uncover the hidden dangers of multi-level marketing as the hosts expose lesser-known MLMs targeting young adults. They delve into the toxic commission structures that reward recruitment over actual sales, often leaving participants in financial ruin. Learn about the risks of financial service MLMs and hear a case study on I AM Academy, highlighting the pitfalls of investment scams. Discover how to recognize red flags, respond to friends involved, and protect yourself from becoming a victim of these alluring but harmful schemes.

Nov 28, 2025 • 47min
Christmas Overconsumption AT ITS WORST | Deinfluencing Holidays
As Christmas approaches, the hosts dive into the excesses of holiday spending driven by social media. They discuss the alluring yet wasteful 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' aesthetic and critique the pressure to overspend on viral trends like burr baskets and matching pajamas. Strategies for thoughtful gift-giving are explored, emphasizing consumable or experiential gifts rather than clutter. Listeners are encouraged to resist impulsive purchases and instead prioritize meaningful traditions, helping to enjoy the holiday spirit without the financial strain.

Nov 25, 2025 • 53min
How Marketing Manipulates You to Spend Money You Don't Have
Discover how marketing psychology ingeniously nudges you to spend beyond your means. The hosts delve into the emotional tactics used by creators, including trauma and relatable stories, that create a false sense of intimacy and trust. They critique the allure of trendy self-care products, revealing how these routines are marketed as empowerment. The conversation also addresses the complexity creators often employ to mask the overselling of courses and products, encouraging listeners to adopt mindful spending practices.

Nov 21, 2025 • 46min
Black Friday 2025 is OFFICIALLY A SCAM (Can you call these deals?)
This discussion reveals how Black Friday has evolved into a psychological trap rather than genuine savings. Jen and Jill dissect recycled deals, fake price drops, and the nostalgia surrounding past shopping traditions. They also analyze economic trends and consumer behavior, illustrating how influencers and social media drive impulse purchases. Tips are shared on how to navigate the chaos, including tools for verifying discounts and personal shopping tactics. Get ready to rethink your holiday spending habits!

Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
Financial Planners Explained: Do you Need a Financial Adviser?
If you’ve ever wondered whether hiring a financial advisor is actually worth it or just another money trap, this episode’s for you. We’re breaking down exactly what financial planners do, how to know if you need one, and how to find someone who actually works for you, even on a frugal budget.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpfinacialadvisor📘 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.

Nov 14, 2025 • 56min
$96K in Debt w/ a $900 Car Payment!?!? | Reading Money Reddit Stories
Confession time is either a cry for help or a gentle reminder to get it together. In this episode, we’re diving into some wild Reddit money confessions about how people got into debt and we’re going to give some insight on what we'd do if we were in their situation.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpmoneyredditstories 📘 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.

88 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 59min
40 Unsexy Frugal Living Tips That Actually Work
Explore practical and often overlooked frugal living tips that actually make a difference. Find out how a 90-day transaction inventory can help eliminate joyless spending. Learn the power of a 24-hour wait before impulsive buys and how to set grocery caps for better budgeting. Discover the benefits of batch cooking and using your pantry creatively. Plus, tips on automating savings, borrowing before buying, and negotiating bills for maximum savings. These unsexy strategies could help pay off debt and simplify your financial life!

Nov 7, 2025 • 56min
People on TikTok BEGGING for Money is Unhinged (Sad Fishing for Money)
How far would you go to trust, believe, and help a stranger online? Today we’re breaking down how social media has turned struggle into a brand, how these trends exploit both empathy and algorithms, and how it may be affecting you without you ever giving a dime.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpbegtok 📘 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.

11 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 51min
80% of People Don’t Do This When Grocery Shopping (and it's an easy fix!)
Struggling with grocery overspending? Discover the game-changing secret behind effective meal planning. Learn about reverse meal planning, starting with what you already have in your pantry. Hear expert tips on using technology, like ChatGPT, to create meal plans from your inventory. Get strategies for stockpiling non-perishables during sales and budgeting to minimize impulse buys. Finally, explore the benefits of less frequent shopping trips while embracing sustainable meal prepping. Transform your grocery shopping habits effortlessly!

Oct 31, 2025 • 57min
Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm HORROR STORIES | Buy Now Pay Later RUINS Shopping
The wildest hocus pocus you’ll see this Halloween isn’t in the haunted houses, it's how Buy Now, Pay Later is leaving people trapped in debt or with ruined credit. Jen and Jill share BNPL horror stories featuring real people and truly scary consequences and how to protect yourself if you’ve already swiped your way into one of these spells.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpbnpl📘 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.


