

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

10 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 46min
When Healthy is TOXIC: FitTok, GLP-1's & Your Starving Bank Account
The discussion unveils the deceptive allure of body image trends and how they exploit insecurities. Social media's role in shaping unrealistic wellness ideals is critically examined, alongside the pitfalls of unqualified influencers. Through humorous anecdotes, they highlight the chaos of health advice while advocating for gentle movement like walking. Financial wellness is also intertwined with hydration, emphasizing mindful spending and self-acceptance. It's a refreshing take that encourages embracing a balanced and inclusive approach to health.

16 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 56min
50 Popular Things We REGRET Buying
Join a humorous journey of self-reflection as the hosts recount their most regrettable purchases, from impulse buys at resale shops to trendy health products. They share relatable anecdotes about items like a silk robe and underperforming gadgets, emphasizing the gap between desires and practicality. Laugh along as they unveil the emotional weight of buyer's remorse and discuss the importance of mindful spending. Through personal stories, they inspire listeners to prioritize thoughtful choices over fleeting trends.

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h
She Spends HOW MUCH on Her Kids?
How much are you really spending on your kids? The hosts dive into a listener's spending habits, exposing hidden costs and unnecessary purchases. They discuss shifting from a scarcity mindset to a more generous outlook on money management. The conversation touches on navigating bargain shopping while promoting mindful spending for quality items. Mental health and wellness are highlighted as essential investments, alongside the complexities of balancing kids’ activities with personal finance. It's all about making smarter choices for a sustainable lifestyle!

12 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 51min
Social Media is Ruining Hobbies
The hosts dive into how social media drives 'hobby hopping,' leading to financial pitfalls and abandoned projects. They discuss the pressures of making hobbies productive versus the joy of simply engaging in them. The pitfalls of aesthetic perfectionism, especially in trendy hobbies like bread making, are examined. Resourcefulness is championed while exploring affordable ways to enjoy hobbies. Finally, the importance of pursuing hobbies for personal fulfillment rather than social media approval is emphasized, encouraging a return to joy and relaxation.

Aug 22, 2025 • 52min
How to do Disney World on a Budget | Tickets, Hotels, Food & More!
Whether you're a Disney adult or just tagging along for the churros and castle views, one thing’s for sure: every princess knows the magic comes at a cost. But do you really need the full-time experience... or just the fun part of it? Today’s guest, AJ Wolfe, is walking us through the must-knows for planning a Disney trip so you don't end up draining your savings. 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/disneyonabudget📘 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 19, 2025 • 51min
The Problem With Thrifting: What No One Tells You About Thrift Shopping Secondhand
Thrifting seems like harmless fun and most of the time, it is! There’s the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of finding something one-of-a-kind. But sometimes, things get a little weird, and there’s always more to it than just good deals. So today, we’re talking about the side of thrifting most people don’t mention and how to keep it fun without going overboard.🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffpthrifttraps📘 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 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.


