

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

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
How a LOTTERY WINNER Spends Her Money
One lucky ticket. One massive win. And one story you won’t believe. Jen and Jill chats with our lucky listener about money, divorce, and what it means to move forward with more intention and less guilt. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts to catch her story and maybe get a little luck dust too!🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffplotterywinner🎁 See the latest deals today: https://tinyurl.com/brads-deals📘 Order the book here: https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter📣 Submit your bill of the week and get a shoutout from us: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTube: https://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.

Aug 12, 2025 • 52min
9 UNHINGED Ways People Save Money on Bills
How far would you go to save money? Because some people out there are taking frugality to a whole new and extreme level! In this episode, Jen and Jill explore wild, unhinged, and sometimes downright risky ways people try to save money and the consequences they might not see coming.🎙️ Get full show notes here: https://bit.ly/ffpunhingedsaving 🎁 See the latest deals today: https://tinyurl.com/brads-deals📘 Order the book here: https://bit.ly/BWYL-podcast💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter📣 Submit your bill of the week and get a shoutout from us: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTube: https://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
Aug 8, 2025 • 58min
Which Debt Should You Pay Off First?
Exploring effective debt management strategies, the hosts discuss prioritizing repayments to regain peace of mind. They delve into popular debt repayment methods, like avalanche and snowball, and emphasize the need for personalized approaches. Listeners hear about the emotional journey of debt payoff, complete with humor and real-life experiences. They highlight the necessity of balancing debt repayment with saving and investing, and the unexpected benefits of achieving financial freedom.

Aug 5, 2025 • 47min
Deinfluencing Back to School “Sales”
It’s a back-to-school reset! But not the one with matching lunchboxes and over-the-top ‘what’s in my kid’s bag’ trends. Instead of overhauling everything for the kids, Jen and Jill are flipping the script on what a real reset means and breaking down how TikTok is fueling quiet overconsumption and spotlighting what to do to stay grounded, intentional, and spend way less.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpbacktoschool 📘 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.

Aug 1, 2025 • 59min
She Lost EVERYTHING In a Hurricane
When life gets heavy, our spending often follows. Jen and Jill chats with a listener who openly shares her 90-day transaction inventory from one of the hardest chapters of her life.They took a closer look at her spending habits and explored how different life seasons can affect the way we spend and how we can recover once that season has passed. Catch the episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast app because this one hits close to home.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpafterstorm 📘 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.

Jul 29, 2025 • 54min
TikTok is Normalizing Being CAR POOR | These Car Payments Are INSANE!
Cars are meant to get you to your destination NOT become your second home. But these days, people are spending so much even after buying a new car that it makes you stop and think… is it really worth it? Jen and Jill, with car expert Hayden Schreier break it all down pointing out the hidden costs, cheap parts, and big red flags to watch out for before you buy.🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/ffpcarpoor📘 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.

Jul 25, 2025 • 56min
Frugal Living Tips From The Great Depression
Explore timeless frugal living tips from the Great Depression that still resonate today! The hosts share clever money management strategies and the value of DIY, emphasizing resourcefulness in modern times. Discover creative ways to cut energy costs while savoring the outdoors. They also discuss the joy of frugality through personal anecdotes and generational wisdom, celebrating the art of intentional spending. Get inspired to embrace a sustainable lifestyle and thrive on a budget!

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.