

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

Feb 14, 2025 • 44min
How to Budget If You Don’t Have Kids with Jay Zigmont
Fewer expenses? Maybe. Fewer money decisions? Not a chance. Living child-free comes with its own set of financial choices, and we’re here to help you make them wisely. In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Jay, explore the child-free life—what it's like and how to budget better so you can live your life to the fullest! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/3EdAzI6 📘 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 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.

Feb 11, 2025 • 46min
Managing Financial Regret
If you’ve ever felt stuck or regretful about past financial decisions like not saving enough for emergencies or overspending on experiences, this episode is for you. Jen and Jill explore the emotions tied to those "what if" moments, from choices we wish we could change to opportunities we missed. Don’t miss this empowering discussion! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/4gpvZE8 📘 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 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.

Feb 7, 2025 • 44min
Why It's So Important to Buy Local
Support local businesses and watch your community flourish! Discover how conscious spending can save your cherished shops from closing. Hear personal stories that highlight the emotional ties we have with local establishments. Learn about the benefits of local purchasing, like cost-effectiveness and superior service. Explore the balance of personal preferences in shopping mindfully. Plus, delve into creative parenting techniques that save money while fostering skills. It’s all about building a vibrant local economy!

Feb 4, 2025 • 49min
How Our Nervous System Impacts Our Spending with Michelle Grosser
Do you notice a difference in your spending habits when you're calm and collected versus when you're stressed and overwhelmed? Science is about to blow your mind in this episode! Jen and Jill, along with Michelle from The Calm Mom Podcast, let you in on the science behind our nervous system affecting our spending so you can hit two birds with one stone: a relaxed mind and a money win! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/3WsAMNV 📘 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 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.

Jan 31, 2025 • 42min
Tips for a Great No-Spend Month
Ready for a No-Spend Month Challenge? This one’s not like the others—it's going to be great and leave you feeling good about working toward your financial goals. In this episode, Jen and Jill cover everything you need to do before, during, and after an NSC, plus the what-ifs that might be holding you back. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/42jxGzx 📘 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 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.

Jan 28, 2025 • 45min
Debunking The 5 Worst Money Myths
Ever believed that having more would make you happier? Even with money, it's not entirely true! This is why no matter how financially savvy we are, we’ve all fallen for at least one false money myth. In this episode, Jen and Jill unravel the most common money myths and reveal the truth behind what really makes us happy and financially healthy. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/4gT4DY5 📘 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 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.

Jan 24, 2025 • 53min
Meal Planning to Save Money & Reduce Food Waste with Jess Dang
Have you ever been told, "She ate and left no crumbs"? It usually means someone did an amazing job at something—like meal planning! You use what you have and leave no waste. In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Jess Dang of Cook Smarts, help us get more creative with meal planning and explore its benefits for both our wallets and reducing food waste. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/4hbkG3c 📘 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 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.

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Tips For Living on an Extremely Tight Budget
Some days we’re winning, but there are also days when we're just making do with what we’ve got to get by. And that’s okay. We see you, and we’re here to help you through those moments when it feels like you’re running on empty. In this episode, Jen and Jill share stories of living on a low income and escaping debt on a tight budget. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/422DJs5 📘 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 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.

Jan 17, 2025 • 47min
2025 Simple Cleaning Schedule & Products
You may hate it now, but you’ll be glad you did it after! That’s how cleaning usually goes, because taking care of your home is also taking care of yourself. In this episode, Jen and Jill share tips on creating a simple cleaning schedule and sticking to it—plus, the perfect cost-effective cleaning products to match. It’s the ultimate guide for your upcoming weekend or monthly reset! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/4haiQQ4 📘 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 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.

Jan 14, 2025 • 49min
How Lack of Purpose Drives Your Impulse Spending with Jordan Grumet
Alright, hear us out: finding your purpose doesn’t have to be this do-or-die, all-or-nothing thing because that kind of thinking will drive your finances crazy, thinking you’ll find it once you have everything, but nope, not at all. In this episode, Jen and Jill are joined by Jordan Grumet of Earn & Invest Podcast to share simple reminders on how to find your purpose and what it really means to have one. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/403i68k 📘 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 us https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill-of-the-week/ 💸 Check out our monthly challenge community http://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/club 👉🏼 Subscribe for more on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/frugalfriends 💃🏼 Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/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.