Frugal Friends Podcast

Today we dive deep into meal planning. We cover the "how to's" of meal planning and meal prep, the "why's" behind it, what to do when meal prep is not a possibility, freezer meals, and planning around grocery flyers and sales. For some, meal planning and prep is a life goal, and for others this process is a walk in the park; but for all of us who desire to live a frugal lifestyle it is an important aspect of our journey! So let's figure out a system that works for us!Sponsors: Books - the frugal entertainmentPodcastcrafter.comPodcast Crafter - Check them out and hire them for all your podcast needs! Notable Notes This article from Kitchn provides a beginners guide to meal planning, complete with definitions, tips for starting, and what meal planning is not. BudetBytes provides another guide to meal prep and planning and answers the questions of "why" do it, foods that can be prepped ahead of time, how to know if food is still "good", and who meal prepping works for. What the Internet has to say: Meal planning isn’t the holy grail! It offers a template, so plan for takeout, delivery, and leftovers, because you don’t need 7 meals planned and purchased every week!  Meal planning can be flexible, and does NOT need to be entirely home cooked Make a master ingredient list on your phone or tablet to know what you have in stock, and what to purchase when out Use last night's leftovers for lunch! Pre-chop veggies  all in one day to make cooking easier throughout the week. Involve your partner, friend, or children in on this process! What Jen and Jill have to say: frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comBILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to Our Experience Jen Have a template, such as 1 asian meal, 1 mexican, 1 slow cooker meal, etc.  Cultivate a love for leftovers - it's frugal :) Jill Keep simple and start small - otherwise you will get overwhelmed and won't stick with it! Consider cooking up your main meat or veggie in a simple way and add it to different meals throughout the week (i.e. breaded chicken added on top of salad, in a sandwich, or with sauce and pasta) Utilize home-cooked frozen meals (or store bought) in your meal planning routine Check out frugalfriendspodcast.com/cooksmarts - this site creates 'made for you' meal plans, complete with a shopping list and recipes! What's Next?Introducing, !The Frugal Friends Book ClubWe’re going to read 1 frugal book every month and we’ll start in September with "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders. Cait did a two year shopping ban that changed not just her finances, but her entire life. For every 5 reviews we receive this month, we’ll give away 1 copy of the book.YOU COULD WIN!To enter to win the book leave us a review on your podcast listening device, (not just itunes) screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comWe’ll select the winners on August 31st!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.

We all want our home to be a place where we can relax, enjoy family time, and entertain others; but how do we create a beautiful and functional environment without breaking the bank? Today we look to the internet and Jill's personal expertise on interiors to bring you some top notch tips on uniquely decorating your space the frugal way!Sponsors: Spray Paint: Don't like the color of your cabinet hardware? Spray paint it! Wish that plastic owl was gold?Spray paint it!podcastcrafter.comPodcast Crafter: Your one stop shop for all your podcasting needs! From show notes, to individual soundtracks, to production - Podcast Crafter has what you're looking for. Check them out! Notable Notes What the Internet has to Say:  Apartment Therapy curated 20 tips for decorating on a budget from a few of the pros. Some out of the box ideas are shared from those in the business of decorating homes. What Jen and Jill have to Say:  We like what Jamie Drake has to say about shopping at home. Check your basement, attic, or even other rooms for pieces that could accentuate or complete the look you want. Emily Henderson also shared a great tip in the article about focusing on one statement piece and finding less expensive items to compliment that decor. We also agree to focus on the shape and function of furniture as they can be reupholstered or painted if the color or fabric is not quite right. More from the Internet: This Country Living article provides 38 decorating ideas for those sprucing up their homes on a budget. The author focuses on small projects that can make all the difference in the look and feel of the rooms in your home! More from Jen and Jill: While there is much to debate about wallpaper, it can be worth considering on an accent wall; especially if you purchase the kind that is easily removed! Check out this article for a list of companies selling removable wallpaper! We also agree with the tips on adding a fresh coat of paint to walls as a way of re-imagining a room(#3), using trays and large plates to organize and corral items (#9), turning cards or prints into framed pieces of art (#24), and changing out the hardware on cabinets for a clean and updated look (#25)! BILL OF THE WEEK Thanks for sharing your bill with us! We always love hearing all the creative bills you are excited about!frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comIf you want to submit your bill of the week, visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to Our Experience  Jill can't speak highly enough about yard sales, thrift stores, the clearance section, and AUCTIONS! If you can be patient, and keep a running list of the things you are looking for, you can usually find something one of a kind! Also consider DIY projects - get inspired by pinterest when decorating different parts of your home! Keep an eye out for free curb-side treasures! Jill has scored some great furniture and decor both for herself and for friends this way! The best thrift stores for specific needs: Habitat for Humanity ReStore: fixtures, furniture, hardware  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.

In this episode we talk with Amanda from Debt Free in Sunny CA about her massive $133,763 debt pay-off! Amanda and her husband paid off over $133,000 of debt in 43 months and became debt free just a few short weeks ago on July 5th 2018. During that time she started the #debtfreecommunity on Instagram that has become a safe haven for others paying off debt.Notable NotesAmanda shares tips on how they paid off debt, getting her partner on board, and even how to save on pet care and vet bills! We also discuss the importance of finding your "why" in this debt-free and financial independence journey. Amanda shares her "why" along with other great insights on partnering with your spouse to accomplish financial goals.We had a great time talking with Amanda and hearing her amazing debt pay-off story, and celebrating her accomplishment with her! Not to mention, we always appreciate learning new tips from our frugal friends!BILL OF THE WEEK- Thanks Amanda for sharing your bill! If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comThanks so much for hanging out with us. If you like the message we’re spreading you can support us by leaving a review on Itunes  or Stitcher and hitting the subscribe button to get new episodes every Frugal Friends Friday. AND join our Facebook group at frugalfriendspodcast.com/group for more discussion on today’s episode and tips from the community. 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.

Ugh, student loans. Let's all have a collective, frustrated sigh. Even for the most debt averse people, student loans are often still a part of the equation. SO, let's talk about getting rid of those loans!! This episode explores ways to save on student loans, refinancing, loan forgiveness programs, and straight up lifestyle changes to help get rid of student debt fast! We're glad you're here and we're excited to have frugal friends in this debt-free journey!Notable NotesWhat the Internet has to say: This article from student loan hero provides a comprehensive list of loan forgiveness programs. The site provides clickable links for each type of loan forgiveness option, along with explanations for the different programs. Student Loan Planner goes into great detail about the public service loan forgiveness program and tips for applying while also avoiding the pitfalls. If considering refinancing students loans, check out this article! Student loan hero advises 6 steps to take prior to applying to refinance. And check out Jen's story on Student Loan Hero! What Jen and Jill have to say: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) is the best, but also probably not the best. Being that this loan is a government program, things could change! There are also a lot of caveats to be aware of, so heed the advice of those that have gone before us!! Refinancing can be a great solution to get your loans all in one place and lower your interest rate. We recommend Education Loan Refinancing since it has the lowest interest rates and the highest cash incentive ($200!) if you sign your loan within 30 days of approval. AND if you use our affiliate link to sign up, you'll get an extra $100!! Our Experience: Jen has her own amazing student debt pay-off story! Check it out on her blog Saving with Spunk   Use speed! Going hard at paying down your student loans fast is the only way to save money, and pay down debt efficiently Bonus link! Check out this article for more tips on loan forgiveness, not mentioned in the show!  BILL OF THE WEEK: Thank you again Hannah Randall for your SECOND bill of the week! You get the loyal frugal friend award!If YOU want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comSponsors check them out for all your podcasting needs! podcastcrafter.comPodcast Crafter - want to pay off your student loans? It just takes TIME (and money) :)Time -  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.

With healthcare costs rising we thought it only fitting to talk about frugal ways to approach caring for yourself. We cover healthcare sharing, HSAs, ways to maintain health, acupuncture, glasses/contacts, teeth cleanings and more! We know it's a frustrating and sometimes boring topic but we promise to bring some lighthearted humor and invaluable tips for this necessary issue.Sponsors podcastcrafter.com - incredible podcast production services - check 'em out! - the frugal dinnerbeans and rice Notable Notes This article from Mila at The Balance shares 10 ways to minimize costs on health care and insurance. Mila gives helpful information on the different nuances of various health insurance plans and some pitfalls to watch out for. While mainly talking health insurance, there are some great tips regarding billing and finding discounted services. We agree with tip #3 about being aware of balance billing; this is a real thing! Doctors offices may try to bill you for the balance not paid by insurance, but you do not always need to pay this We like tip #4 about finding alternative insurance. Some options include: Farm Bureau Financial Services, Medi-Share We do recommend looking into getting a health insurance broker, sometimes this can save big money and YOU don't pay for the brokers services #10 is the tried and true frugal method; shop around and compare costs for specific procedures What Jen and Jill have to say: This article by Wendy at WebMD 5 ways to save on medical costs. There are obvious tips like talking to your doctor, but there are also some suggestions we have not considered for saving on medications! We like tip #5 about pill splitting - it's possible to decrease the cost of prescription medications if certain milligram amounts are cheaper. Meaning pay less for the 30mg pill and split in half if your prescribed dosage is 15mg. Worth looking into!!What Jen and Jill have to say: What the internet has to say:BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comOur Experience: Preventative care that will actually save you money isn’t screenings. Check out this NY times article for more.  Consider contributing to HSA’s to offset the downfall of Medicare; this article gives a great explanation on HSAs Utilize Groupon for teeth cleanings,  Mystery shop for teeth cleaning and eye exams through A Closer Look.  Shop for contacts through Ebates Acupuncture for preventative care; check out this article from the Penny Hoarder regarding the benefits! Jen Know what’s an ‘emergency’ and what super glue can fix! For instance, my pinky tragedy while doing the dishes!Jill BEFORE + AFTER pictures on the website - super glue for the win!-Preventative care - drink apple cider vinegar everyday! Thanks Linda SSee 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 July and we’re in the throws of summer travel, so it's only fitting for us to talk about adventurous frugality! We covered saving on plane tickets in episode 7 so hopefully you already have that one figured out! In this episode we move on to discuss keeping costs low while on vacation. Here's to enjoying life without breaking the bank!Sponsors: saying “no” - just do it podcastcrafter.com For all your podcasting needs! Check them out! Notable Notes:What the internet has to say This article from Nomadic Matt outlines 7 tips for saving cash on accommodations while traveling. Included in the list are home sharing options, hostels, and rewards programs. Moral of the story: there are more options than we would have originally thought! What Jen and Jill have to say:  couchsurfing sharing house space on airbnb hostels MONASTERIES!!! David Ning gives 50 (that right 50!) tips to save money on vacation. The article goes through categories different categories including saving on flights, food, car rental, transportation, currency, accommodation, shopping, travel alternatives, and other tips for budget travel.  What Jen and Jill have to say:  plan your meals and don’t eat every meal out you don’t need rental car insurance do a cost analysis on staying outside of the city and getting a rental car/ commuting vs staying within check your insurance and credit card policy.  BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com Our experience: Let's get philosophical: should you vacation while you’re in debt? If you’re going international get the schwab debit card. Rent and RV through sites like the following:  https://rvshare.com/?semid=google.nb&placement=g&campid=945028445&adgid=45150523137&keyword=e.rent%20rv&copyid=229314280260&kwd-299503571948&device=t&camptype=search&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvezZBRDkARIsADKQyPkim1pnsSYACEKuYR8tEE8AGU-6kcNnbysjVsXlC2lmpdaZrWVphj7oaAme3EALw_wcB https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/  OR invest in your vacation rather than throw money out the window - get creative! For example, purchase a trailer or RV, use it for your vacation, then sell it! 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.

In this episode we tackle a subject that is a bit beyond our expertise, BUT frugality can be applied to all areas of life; including cars!We talk car maintenance, purchasing, and overall approach to vehicles that can reorient how we view transportation, while also exploring some ways to save money in the process!We could tell you how to save on insurance or at the car lot but frugality isn’t just about saving money. It’s essentially about making fully informed purchases.Notable Notes:What the internet has to say: Kevin Mercadante Article;This Money Under 30 article looks at the true cost of car ownership and explores 6 major vehicle costs including: fuel, licensing/registration/taxes, insurance, maintenance/tires, finance charges, and depreciation.What Jen and Jill have to say: Having a car longer versus trading in seems to be the better deal BUT buy used! (depreciation will get ya) Wisebread Article by Paul Michael dives into 8 easy DIY car repairs. Paul highlights a few vehicle maintenance jobs that could be done at home for those who want to expand their skills! What Jen and Jill have to say: We love the problem solving/DIY approach!! There are some BOLD suggestions Check out some simple car maintenance on youtube like this one: https://www.youtube.com/user/scottykilmer BILL OF THE WEEK- Thanks Hannah from Souderton, PA for your awesome Bill of the Week!! We did not know this about duck bills!frugalfriendspodcast.com/billIf you want to submit your bill of the week visit to call our Google Voicemail.Our experience: If you are wondering "how much should I spend on a car?" check out this article which gives a great break-down! https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-car-can-you-afford Basically, 10-35% of annual income IN CASH should be spend on a car Buying quality used cars in cash has been the best system for us! Sponsors: do it!Budgeting - 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.

Today on the Frugal Friends Podcast we do something very new and exciting by hosting a guest! You don't want to miss this interview with Joel Larsgaard from the Pour not Poor podcast. In addition to hosting a podcast about craft beer and personal finance with his friend Matt, he also works as a radio and web producer for money saving guru, Clark Howard so he has a lot of tips for saving money to share with us!Notable NotesWe ask Joel about everything from his history with frugality, money saving tips he picked up from Clark Howard, expert advice on rental properties, how he find deals on mid-century furniture, and finally to the topic of biking to work!What we got from the conversation was more than anyone could have expected as Joel speaks candidly and with a great deal of knowledge about his own experience watching his parents file for bankruptcy, ways adult children can broach the topic of finance with aging parents, and the process of forging a new path with one's own financial decisions.It's a great combination of insightful, thought-provoking conversation and light-hearted tips for anyone on the wide spectrum of frugal living!BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comThanks so much for hanging out with us. If you like the message we’re spreading you can support us by leaving a review on Itunes and hitting the subscribe button to get new episodes every Frugal Friends Friday. AND join our Facebook group at frugalfriendspodcast.com/group for more discussion on today’s episode and tips from the community. 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.

That's right - Jen and Jill like to go out to eat too! Believe it or not, you can eat at restaurants and still be frugal! In this episode, the frugal friends bring you the best the internet and life experience has to offer regarding dining out without destroying those financial goals.Notable Notes Eat This Article This article shares 20 ways to reduce your restaurant bill. Some tips are obvious, some tips are noteworthy, and some tips should never be used! The frugal friends discuss the highlights!  Avoid tips, and supplement with food at home by taking it 'to-go' Ask about status discounts (teacher, law enforcement, military, etc.) Split/share meals HAPPY HOURS! Don't show up starving - eat a snack Jen's rant about not asking your server for free food What Jen and Jill have to say The Simple Dollar Article 15 strategies for saving money at restaurants are listed and include some great tips for real savings, like purchasing discounted gift cards and implementing a more frugal mindset when dining out. Utilize discounted gift cards through sites like Gift Card GrannyJill's warning about 'tip tolerance' on gift cards; check out more HERE Check for coupons through sites like Valpak Consider going to restaurants that offer free appetizers (bread, chips, etc) Portion control :) What Jen and Jill have to say What the internet has to sayBILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your 'Bill of the Week'  call our Google Voicemail at 570-995-1540Jen and Jills favorite tips for dining out Jenmystery shopping  Coyle Hospitality Bestmark Customer Impact Confero Jill Utilize websites like Groupon  Order from the kids menu! Meal Planning on a BudgetALSO, check out Jen's book (mentioned in the show) 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 summer! Therefore - we're traveling! In this episode, Jen and Jill actually sit in the same room and discuss how to score inexpensive tickets on flights. Personal experiences are shared and new insights from the internet are discovered. If you ever plan on flying, you don't want to miss this episode!Notable Notes Thrifty Nomad Article In this article the thrifty nomads share some very tangible tips for reducing the cost of plane tickets. Some lesser known tricks like using an 'incognito' window are shared with instructions on how to incorporate this into your flight search routine!  Use an incognito window when searching flights Befriend budget airlines (Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit - they aren't so bad!) Utilize websites like Airfare Watchdog to score cheap flights What Jen and Jill have to say Thrillest Article Sophie-Claire Hoeller shares 12 hacks to save money on plane tickets. Included are some risky tips, but also some helpful insights that are worth implementing the next time you go to book a flight!  Purchase tickets 47 days in advance (if possible) Jill thinks some tips like 'hidden city ticketing', using a 'fake location' are 'sketchy' and advises to proceed with caution - BUT definitely report back if you do this and it works! What Jen and Jill have to say What the internet has to say Jen and Jill's favorite tips for saving on flights  Jill  ITA Matrix - the website looks like it hasn't been updated since 2001, and you can't actually purchase tickets through the site, but it allows for comprehensive and advanced searches for finding the best deals! Travel and Leisure Article explains how to use the ITA matrix Jen  Southwest companion pass explained HERE Referral link: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/223/EPP76MYV1L 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.