Frugal Friends Podcast

We all have to put our money somewhere, but how do we decide the best banking solutions? On this episode we explore whether an online bank is right for you, if credit unions live up to all the hype, and if you do choose multiple accounts how you should organize your money in them. We'll also go through our recommendations for the best banks with no or low fees!Sponsors:  is a mobile bank with an awesome user interface, no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. Its app has a free built in budgeting tool, that gives you purchase notifications, and insight to your spending. Premium users can even break up their savings account into different pods which is super helpful if you’re saving for multiple things at once. And when you set up direct deposit you can get paid up to two days early! So, if you’re looking for another bank account to hold your emergency fund or something big you’re saving for then you’re definitely gonna want to try Current because we’re giving $10 to the first 10 people who sign up using our promo code "FRUGALFRIENDS” for each episode. That’s FRUGALFRIENDS, all one word.Current: that feeling of slight awkwardness and uncertainty about what’s happening next. Sort of how talking about things I am not an expert on makes me feel! Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted to have said ‘do something everyday that scares you’ well - for some of us that’s talking about and/or learning about intricate financial details so you can check that box for the day. Being uncomfortable: it’s less scary when you have your friends with you!Being Uncomfortable: Notable Notes:What the Internet has to say:This article comes from Credit Karma and outlines what you need to look for when choosing a bankWhat Jen + Jill have to say:Consider the following:What is your current financial situation?What are your current banking habits?What do you anticipate your future needs to be?Put your money in one of the following:Traditional, brick and mortar bank: great for getting lots of financial products, interact with tellers, great for depositing  cash, access to ATM'sOnline Bank: many of the same products as traditional banks, not as easy to deposit cash, free ATM use (sometimes internationally), often offer high yield savings/checking accountsCredit Union: non-profit, member-owned organizations, lots of financial productsPay attention to: Make sure the bank is either FDIC or NCUA insured! If it's not insured you are at risk of losing that money. Insurance rates; check out the APY rates Minimum balances, services fees, overdraft fees, etc. ATM fees ATM location More from the Internet:This article is from The Balance and provides a list of the best no-fee checking accounts for 2020More from Jen + Jill:What makes for a good checking account: minimal fees deposit insurance easy access to cash mobile deposit online bill pay Recommended Banks: Ally - high yield savings and checking, don't need high balance to get good APY Discover - can earn cash back rewards with debit card Radius - also provides rewards for debit card use Simple - has a great (free!) app for budgeting and money management Schwabb - unlimited rebates on ATM fees, high yield investor checking account (great for traveling internationally) &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.

Paying off debt is a daunting task no matter what stage of life, however the older we get the more insurmountable it can feel! For this reason we are thrilled to have Bobbi Olsen on the show to share her story of beginning her debt-payoff journey in her 40's and all that she learned along the way! It's never too late (or too early!) to pay off debt!Sponsors:  is a mobile bank with an awesome user interface, no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. Its app has a free built in budgeting tool, that gives you purchase notifications, and insight to your spending. Premium users can even break up their savings account into different pods which is super helpful if you’re saving for multiple things at once. And when you set up direct deposit you can get paid up to two days early! So, if you’re looking for another bank account to hold your emergency fund or something big you’re saving for then you’re definitely gonna want to try Current because we’re giving $10 to the first 10 people who sign up using our promo code "FRUGALFRIENDS” for each episode. That’s FRUGALFRIENDS, all one word.Current: Not just a multi level marketing company or the name of a carnival themed horror movie. It’s the age I’m turning tomorrow! And the age Jill will be turning in just a few months! In 31 years we’ve experienced Brittany spears and Justin Timberlake wearing matching denim outfits, that door in the titanic movie that was definitely big enough for two people, and a global pandemic. 31. Too old for tik tok, not old enough to watch the Hallmark Movie channel.31: Notable Notes:We asked Bobbi all about her debt pay off journey! What motivated you to start your debt payoff journey and were you discouraged at all by your age? What kind of debt payoff difficulties did you encounter that were unique to being in your forties and how did you tackle them? What did you do to pay off your debt? What are you doing now that could've never been possible while living in debt? - Thank you Bobbi for sharing your bill with us!BILL OF THE WEEK If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning Round:Our favorite budgeting apps/ methods Bobbi- YNAB (You Need A Budget) Jill- Google spreadsheets - you know I'm old school!! Jen- Everydollar Get more from Bobbi at Centsable Chat podcast and blogWrap-Up:Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!Thanks for listening! See you next week!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.

It's our most popular episode and we're digging it up out of the archives! Check it out to see where we started 2 years and get back to the basics!Sponsors:A mobile bank with an awesome user interface, no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. If you’re looking for another bank account to hold your emergency fund or something big you’re saving for, try Current because we’re giving $10 to the first 10 people who sign up using our promo code FRUGALFRIENDS for each episode. Current: here to remind us of the days when we couldn’t actually choose what we watched. Before the days of netflix and hulu there was “basic cable” - come come, gather round the fire while I tell you about ancient days when a television (these were like phones, tablets, and laptops only with large protrusions off the back filled with stuff that can never be thrown away)...a television... had access to approximately 3 ‘channels’ with 1 show playing non-stop. The likelihood of seeing the same episode of the same show more than once was 2,000%. Oh it was fun and it was awful all at once, but we didn’t know any different - we called them reruns - and we ate our hot dogs and mac and cheese in blissful ignorance while the 5th airing of Family Matters ‘good cop, bad cop’ episode played. Reruns - it’s what’s about to happen to you, so grab a hot dog and settle in.Reruns:Notable Notes:1: 4 Pillars - Categories to anticipate with Frugal Friends podcast episodes Clothing/Shopping Bills/Utilities Transportation Housing What the internet has to say 2: Frugalwoods ArticleMrs. Frugalwoods (a.k.a. Liz Thames) identifies 19 reasons why frugality is the best - and the frugal friends agree!What Jen and Jill have to say: Frugality helps you identify your true priorities Frugality builds community Frugality means you'll never be bored Frugality leads to gratitude and joy 3: Millennial Money ArticleGrant went from a frugal guy who amassed $1M to flippantly spending over $200K in one year. In short; the spending didn’t make him feel better.What Jen and Jill have to say: Frugality is about spending wisely Frugality is about the journey, not the destination It is never too late to 'course correct' 4: BILL OF THE WEEK  Introduction of the most anticipated, interactive segment! Leave us a voicemail with your BILL OF THE WEEK at: 570-995-1540 5: Tenets of Frugality  The Law of Diminishing Returns (i.e. at some point you're wasting your time) Frugality allows you to discover what you truly value ( i.e. if frugality keeps you from what you love it’s cheapness) Frugality is good for the environment (i.e. you can’t buy your way to green) Frugality refines your taste and style (i.e. you can have better things when you buy used and you’ll eventually stop buying those souvenir t-shirts you’ll never wear) Frugality allows you more time to increase your income (i.e. the best way to not spend money is to spend time making it!) Frugality will not make you rich (i.e. sorry, not sorry) Wrap-Up:Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!Thanks for listening! See you next week!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.

During difficult financial times it can be tough to make ends meet, and while finding ways to earn extra income is great, this is not always feasible! On today's episode we tackle how to cover our expenses without pushing ourselves to get another side hustle!Sponsors:  Current:A mobile bank with an awesome user interface, no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. If you’re looking for another bank account to hold your emergency fund or something big you’re saving for then you’re definitely gonna want to try Current because we’re giving $10 to the first 10 people who sign up using our promo code: for each episode.FRUGALFRIENDS Y’all ever gone to a blog, downloaded a free template and find out the creator has a course? But it’s like, $400, no thank you. Or you find one that’s $30 and you buy it and you already knew all that info? Online courses that don’t cost a lot and actually help people are here to solve that problem. Ya know how we know they're affordable? Because I’d actually pay it and I don’t buy stuff. Ya know how we know they help people? People tried it and said so. Online courses that don’t cost a lot and actually help people, because some stuff you can find for free on the internet, and some stuff you can’t.Online courses that don’t cost a lot and actually help people: Notable Notes -What the Internet has to say:Check out this article from Don't Waste Your Money to get 5 tips for getting back on your feet after a financial disasterWhat Jen + Jill have to say: Know what you OWN and what you OWE - sometimes making ends meet is as simple as moving some things around in your budget. Drain the emotion from your decisions- stop impulsive and treat yo self type spending, stop saying “i deserve this” to things that cost money and start saying it to financial security and prosperity. Take clear eyed and bold action- don’t sit and wallow, don’t play the victim - this may require more intentionality than ever before and we may be talking about doing more than cutting out your AM latte! Build a support team- you can’t do this on your own. More from the Internet:This article from Moolanomy provides 10 tips for making ends meet with a limited budgetMore from Jen + Jill: 1. Fine tune your budget - you may feel there’s no wiggle room - but look again! 2. Stick with the basics 4. Downsize your life - you may not even realize how much stuff you have! 5. Don’t utilize credit 6. Shop outside the box - farmers markets, dollar stores, thrift stores for essentials 10. Plan for the big picture - Thanks so much for sharing your bill of the week! We're so encouraged to hear of how beneficial your monthly bill to 'financial gym' and getting a 'financial trainer' has beenBILL OF THE WEEKIf you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning Round -How to spend your stimulus check: Your 4 walls: food, housing, utilities, Netflix Emergency fund: $500 to $15,000 High interest debt Give it away: neighbors, local charities, local businesses Wrap-Up -Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!Thanks for listeningSee 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.

It's our most listener requested episode AND our 2 year podcast celebration! You all asked the questions, and Travis and Eric answered! It's certainly not 'content heavy' but it is fun!Sponsors:  An awesome mobile app jam packed with features that make managing your money easier. With a high-yield checking account offering 1.6% APY, and direct access to their financial coaches; Empower is an obvious choice in mobile apps! For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/FRUGAL and use offer code FRUGAL to get a $5 bonus when you reach your savings goalEmpower: In any whole - there is always a better half. This is true about sandwiches, bananas, shirts, and marriages. Today you will meet our better halves and then you will know the right way to eat a banana.The Better Half: Notable Notes:You asked, our husbands answered! Stacey- Our love stories & how we met? Mona: Do you feel accurately represented on the podcast? Jocelyn: We want to hear all about Eric’s cars+Travis’ amazing hair! ALSO, do you have any friends named bill? Who sings the BOTW song?? It’s so catchy! Leslie: How do you balance what you + your spouse think is important to spend $ on? Patricia: what’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of frugality? Virginia: what was the most challenging part of becoming frugal (or along the frugal journey?) Adrienne: Has your idea of style changed since being frugal? Jay: what financial goals to you have for yourselves? Caroline: how do you guys handle the fame of your wives?:) BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Travis and Eric for sharing your bills with us!If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning RoundBest Frugal Tips Travis - find someone who can align with financial approach Eric - research your purchases; learn what something is worth and how to get good deals! Wrap Up:Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!Thanks for listening! See you next week!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.

Decreasing our consumption, decreases our spending, which increases our savings AND creates sustainable practices! Sounds good right?! But how do we do this practically...and frugally?? On this episode we explore attainable ways to decrease our waste in an effort to live more frugally and steward our resources well. Sponsors:  An awesome mobile app jam packed with features that make managing your money easier. With a high-yield checking account offering 1.6% APY, and direct access to their financial coaches; Empower is an obvious choice in mobile apps! For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/FRUGAL and use offer code FRUGAL to get a $5 bonus when you reach your savings goalEmpower: Every April we celebrate the planet we live on and it’s environment. This year we celebrate the 50th official Earth Day by posting eco-friendly quotes, heartfelt posts on Facebook, and going to a free event with a folk band. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you only have one earth so take care of it because it takes longer to get to mars than we originally thought.Earth Day! Notable Notes:What the Internet has to say:This article from Hestia Speaks provides tips for sustainable living on budgetWhat Jen + Jill have to say: Glass jars - perfectly reusable! You don't need to buy new! Simplify your meals - don’t spend on all the oils and fancy ingredientsBase your meals around 3 veggies instead of 5! When you DO buy new...spend on high quality Grow indoor herbs Make a meal plan Simplify your use of non-food products Choose secondhand firstfrugalfriendspodcast.com/thredup Host a swap party More from the InternetThis article from Going Zero Waste describes 12 things you can STOP buying when you decrease your waste and consumptionMore from Jen + Jill: The average American spends almost $5,000 on products that are thrown away! #1-3 AHHHHH #4. Aluminum foil #6. Trash bags #8. Disposable water bottles #9. Conventional cleanersAmerican family spends on cleaning supplies. Anywhere from $300-800 a year - Thanks Andy Hill from Marriage, Kids, and Money podcast! We love your bill about kids summer camps ;)BILL OF THE WEEKIf you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning RoundOur Favorite Frugal Zero-Waste Swaps Jill- water filter (and reusable bottle) + food creativity (i’m no pro but I have a few tricks up my sleeve :)) Jen- glass containers Jill- learn simple sewing skillz (I’ve saved plenty of clothing, purses, blankets, etc. by doing my own mending) Jen- convenience food Wrap Up:Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!See ya next week!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.

How do we respond when money is tight or when we reach a point of financial crisis? This can bring feelings of anxiety and overwhelm to any person especially when it seems we don't have enough to cover the essentials. On this episode we hope to reduce the panic financial upheaval can bring and discuss some tangible ways to care for ourselves and our budgets when things aren't going 'according to plan'.Sponsors:  An awesome mobile app jam packed with features that make managing your money easier. With a high-yield checking account offering 1.6% APY, and direct access to their financial coaches; Empower is an obvious choice in mobile apps! For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/FRUGAL and use offer code FRUGAL to get a $5 bonus when you reach your savings goalEmpower: that feeling when you can barely make ends meet and you are wringing out that dollar for all it’s worth - sometimes our financial situation can feel like a tight squeeze; but our sponsor wants to remind us that this term can also refer to the best most warmest hug from our loved one. So when you’re looking at your budget wondering how you’re gonna pay your bills don’t think of it like a snake coiling around you causing anxiety and panic; think of it like a warm hug coming from your finances. Tight squeeze - when feeling constricted is a good thingTight Squeeze: Notable Notes:What the Internet has to say:This article from Investopedia highlights a few simple ways we can prepare for a financial crisisWhat Jen+Jill have to say: 1. Maximize liquid cash 2. Make a budget: know how much you have coming in/going out each month (helps ID how much you should have in emergency fund) 3. Prepare to Minimize Your Monthly Bills 5. Take stock of ‘non-cash’ assets and maximize value (i.e. utilize points, gift cards, extra food in house, 8. Look for ways to earn extra cash 10. Keep up with routine maintenance More from the Internet:This article from Very Well Mind gives tangible tips on ways to manage our stress and emotions during financially stressful timesMore from Jen+Jill: Remain calm Ask for help- friends and family, financial planner Reframe the situation - watch the internal narrative and find ways to shift perspective Pushing through the difficulty and identifying ‘kindness’ to invest emotional time and energy into Take a break - strike the middle ground between ruminating/obsessing and abdicating/avoiding Ask for help- find a mental health professional, especially if your stress, overwhelm, or feelings of anxiety are inhibiting daily activitiesUse this code for a discount for online therapy Thank you Jess for saving us with your bill about ALL the Bill's who have contributed to making St. Pete Florida so great!BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning Round: What we’re doing to prepare Jen- longer and simpler meal plans Jill- NOT PANICKING!! cooking at home more Jen- taking extra work Jill- re-evaluating budget; spending only on essentials - now’s not the time for extra luxuries :) Wrap-Up:Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriSee 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.

Where does all our money go? It can often seem like we've cut back on spending but somehow we're not 'crushin it' like we thought we would! We quickly learn that our budget's don't work well on autopilot. Thankfully we have Alyssa from Mixed Up Money to share with us some tips on how to increase our level of intentionality with our finances so we can see the results we want!Sponsors:  An awesome mobile app jam packed with features that make managing your money easier. With a high-yield checking account offering 1.6% APY, and direct access to their financial coaches; Empower is an obvious choice in mobile apps! For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/FRUGAL and use offer code FRUGAL to get a $5 bonus when you reach your savings goalEmpower: The sleek athletic dog breed and star of Disney’s 101 dalmatians. These dogs are intelligent, playful, and typically non-agressive. They’re patient and generally good with children as well. That’s why it’s reasonable to keep 101 of them as pets. We had 2 dalmatians growing up. One was sapphire because she had blue eyes and the other was choca because she had chocolate brown spots.Dalmatians: Notable Notes:Alyssa gave us some background about herself AND her top 4 tips for being more intentional with your finances. We're excited to share these tips with you!Create a goal that is specific and achievable Track your spendingSave money each weekReflect on behaviors and habits- Thanks for sharing your bill with us Alyssa! BILL OF THE WEEK If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning RoundWhy we value putting pencil to paper with our finances: Alyssa - accountability; opportunity to look at bad AND celebrate success Jen - like the tangible; breeds intentionality Jill - enjoy walking through a process Get more from Alyssa at MIxed Up Money! AND... Check out Alyssa's  100 day financial goal journal  that comes out April 7, 2020 Follow on IG @mixedupmoney 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.

How do we keep up motivation and effort with the ebbs and flows of our financial journey? Once we know how to budget, cut spending, pay down debt, and increase savings the challenge can become how to maintain these practices over years! On this episode we're talking all about tips for motivation + focus to keep us working towards our goals and maybe even have some fun along the way!Click here for full show notes!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.

There's a lot of uncertainty right now and depending on where we live some of us are feeling this burden more than others. We are not doctors, policy makers, or financial planners, but we are encouragers and we recognize our current situation is leading to profound financial impact for many. So what can we do? In our current climate how do we harness the most of our time and energy and take the best steps forward? Join us in our short bonus episode on ways to respond to what's happening.Click here for full show notes!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.