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Frugal Friends Podcast

Frugal Friends Podcast

Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures 637 Episodes Sep 18, 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 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
2026 Weddings Have LOST The Plot
2026 Weddings Have LOST The Plot Sep 1, 2026 00:44:19 It’s crazy when choosing the flowers, venue, and dress feels like the easiest part than keeping the costs under control. And beyond the couple, guests can end up spending more than they expect, too. Today, Jen and Jill talk about the wedding costs nobody warns you about, the trends driving them up, and the frugal ways to make your wedding actually fit your budget.📲 Download our Spend Smar
What to Include in Your September Budget
What to Include in Your September Budget Aug 28, 2026 00:33:59 September brings new expenses, seasonal spending, and plenty of opportunities to save. In this episode, we’re breaking down what to budget for, what’s worth buying, and what to skip this month. Plus, one simple money move could help you lower your bills with a quick phone call.📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspodcast.com/app 🎙️ Get full show notes here!https://bit.ly/sept
Just Yappin…
Just Yappin… Aug 25, 2026 00:45:18 Jen and Jill have been cooking up something for their Frugal Friends for a while now. They’ve shared a few things they’ve been preparing for, but this time, they’re talking about that and so much more. In this episode, it’s plot twist after plot twist as Jen and Jill reveal some of the biggest news happening in their lives recently.📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspodcast.com/
People Are Finally Tired of Buying Junk!
People Are Finally Tired of Buying Junk! Aug 21, 2026 00:46:05 We’ve all got that drawer, closet, or random corner filled with things we barely use anymore. But somehow, we keep bringing more stuff home. In this episode, Jen and Jill get honest about the purchases that didn’t live up to expectations, from overhyped products to things that simply aren’t worth the money. They also explore why sometimes the smartest purchase is the one we skip.📲 Downloa
I Lost 20 lbs & Saved $4,000!
I Lost 20 lbs & Saved $4,000! Aug 18, 2026 00:50:47 Saving $4,000 was never the goal. Getting healthier was. But as Jen changed her daily routines and built healthier habits, she naturally started spending less in some surprising areas. In this episode, Jen and Jill breaks down the story of how Jen lost 20 pounds, saved $4,000, and the unexpected spending habits that helped her achieve both.📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspodc
DIY Financial Plan Part 4: Money Saving Systems
DIY Financial Plan Part 4: Money Saving Systems Aug 14, 2026 00:34:22 And that’s a wrap! For the final episode of the DIY Financial Plan series, Jen and Jill dives into money-saving strategies and the tools that can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. From tax-saving opportunities to college and estate planning, they’re covering the strategies that can make a real difference in your financial plan.📲 Download our Spend Smart App: frugalfriendspodca
DIY Financial Plan Part 3: Retirement Planning
DIY Financial Plan Part 3: Retirement Planning Aug 11, 2026 00:30:46 For the third part of this series, Jen and Jill tackle one of the most important and often most intimidating money topics. After all, we'll all grow older, and the goal is to reach retirement without constantly worrying about money. They break down the basics of retirement planning, explain where to invest, and share practical guidance to help you start preparing for the future with confi

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