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Frugal Friends Podcast

Frugal Friends Podcast

Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures 637 Episodes Oct 13, 2026

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

7 Money Saving Hacks to Live Below Your Means
7 Money Saving Hacks to Live Below Your Means Oct 13, 2026 00:49:54 Everyone says they’d be responsible with more money, but the problem is often how we define living below your means. It’s not about spending as little as possible. It’s about shifting your money mindset so you can spend intentionally without exceeding your means. Today, we’re talking about the mindset shifts that make living below your means feel less like restriction and more like financ
More Reasons to Stop Shopping at Target
More Reasons to Stop Shopping at Target Oct 9, 2026 00:41:48 We thought we were the only ones feeling this way, but we kept finding more and more reasons people have stopped shopping at Target, so that’s what we’re talking about today. Target has become something else, and Jen and Jill are digging into why shoppers are feeling differently, what’s changed, and whether the Target run is still worth it.🥘 Spend less on takeout with our FREE 15 Easy Eme
Financial Next Steps When You Have Your First Baby
Financial Next Steps When You Have Your First Baby Oct 6, 2026 00:44:52 Having a baby changes everything, including the way you think about money. Suddenly, you’re not just planning for your life. You’re planning for someone else’s future, too. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down the financial moves every new parent should think about, so you can feel more prepared for the costs, responsibilities, and big life changes that come with growing your family.🥘
Should You Still Be Following The Baby Steps?
Should You Still Be Following The Baby Steps? Oct 2, 2026 01:00:31 You’ve probably heard of Dave Ramsey and his famous Baby Steps. But do you have to follow someone else’s financial blueprint to make progress with your money? In this rerun, Jen and Jill revisit Dave Ramsey’s advice, where they agree, where they’d do things differently, and how finding other voices in personal finance helped them figure out what actually works for them.🥘 Spend less on tak
Halloween Overconsumption is OUT OF TOUCH
Halloween Overconsumption is OUT OF TOUCH Sep 29, 2026 00:46:28 We love Halloween, but the endless stream of viral “must-haves” can make it feel like you need to spend more every October. In this episode, Jen and Jill explore how TikTok, social media, and influencer culture are fueling Halloween overconsumption, from trendy decorations to nostalgic must-haves. They also share how to enjoy Halloween, embrace the spooky season, and celebrate without let
What to Include in Your October Budget
What to Include in Your October Budget Sep 25, 2026 00:35:14 A pumpkin one second, and then a cart full of candy, a bunch of costumes, and decors next. It’s quite hard to stop when you’ve reached a flow state in spending. But Jen and Jill are not here to cancel the fun. In this episode, they help to plan for the things you actually want to spend on so November doesn’t have to clean up October’s financial mess.🥘 Spend less on takeout with our FREE 1
My Mom Lost Her House. This Could've Saved Her
My Mom Lost Her House. This Could've Saved Her Sep 22, 2026 00:47:35 Losing a home isn’t always one bad financial decision. Sometimes it’s about not having the resources, information, or support to know what to do next. In 2017, Jen’s mom lost the house Jen grew up in to foreclosure after eight years without making a mortgage payment. Today, Jen and Jill share what happened, what might have prevented the loss, and what every homeowner can do to protect the
7 Psychological Tricks Stores Use to Make You Overspend
7 Psychological Tricks Stores Use to Make You Overspend Sep 18, 2026 00:46:58 It’s not you, it’s capitalism. When you start feeling like you have no control over what you spend, it’s easy to wonder if something is wrong with you. But the truth is, you’re not entirely to blame. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down the psychological tactics stores use to get you to spend more, how to recognize when they’re being used on you, and most importantly, how to avoid fal
People Share How They Save Money on Utilities
People Share How They Save Money on Utilities Sep 15, 2026 00:44:08 A once-a-month bill can require major adjustments to the next month’s budget, especially with how much utility costs are rising these days. And we’re over artificial “hacks” that are really just designed to sell us another product. So in this episode, Jen and Jill turn to real people and share their best, practical ways to save on utilities.📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspod
Paying Full Price on These Items Is a Scam
Paying Full Price on These Items Is a Scam Sep 11, 2026 00:41:12 IN THIS ECONOMY? When everything is “on sale” every other week, paying full price starts to feel like a choice. Jen and Jill are calling out the pricing tricks that make inflated “original” prices look like a bargain and revealing the products and services where you should never feel bad about asking for a better deal.📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspodcast.com/app 🎙️ Ge
10 Money Decisions You Need to Make Before 40
10 Money Decisions You Need to Make Before 40 Sep 8, 2026 00:39:32 Whether 40 feels right around the corner or a lifetime away, these are the money decisions you’ll be glad you started thinking about now. In this episode, Jen and Jill walk us through the financial questions and decisions you’ll want to start thinking about before 40 that can help you make more intentional choices along the way. 📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspodcast.co
When to Buy "Off-Brand" & When to Buy "Name-Brand"
When to Buy "Off-Brand" & When to Buy "Name-Brand" Sep 4, 2026 01:00:12 Many of us think buying generic brands means we’re being responsible with our finances, but navigating when to opt for off-brand versus name-brand can be a strategic decision between quality and savings. So today we’re replaying one of our most popular episodes of 2024, looking at what experts in their field buy and Tiktok product review videos to know which is worth our money.📲 Download

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