Podcasts · Leisure · Business

Frugal Friends Podcast

Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures

300 episodes

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 page 1 of 6

  1. 5 Questions to Ask Before Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

    · 40 min · Episode 662

    For most people, paying off a mortgage seems like a no-brainer. After all, it can be a major financial burden. But in this episode, before rushing to become debt-free, Jen and Jill encourage you to look beyond the…

  2. Should You Save For Your Kids' College?

    · 47 min · Episode 661

    Is college savings really a must-have? You might think so, but Jen and Jill dig deeper into the costs, uncertainties, and financial priorities that come with saving for your child’s future. In this episode, they…

  3. They’re Going BROKE To Be “Pretty”

    · 50 min · Episode 660

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not the impossible standards the world wants us to live up to. Jen shares her own experience as she and Jill chat about how social media and marketing play on our insecurities and…

  4. Financial Planning for Your 30s: What Actually Matters

    · 39 min · Episode 659

    They say life actually starts at 30! So, if you’re feeling behind financially, say less, because things are just about to get good. In this episode, Jen and Jill breaks down the financial planning moves that actually…

  5. 7 Money Saving Hacks to Live Below Your Means

    · 50 min · Episode 658

    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…

  6. More Reasons to Stop Shopping at Target

    · 42 min · Episode 657

    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…

  7. Financial Next Steps When You Have Your First Baby

    · 45 min · Episode 656

    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…

  8. Should You Still Be Following The Baby Steps?

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 655

    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,…

  9. Halloween Overconsumption is OUT OF TOUCH

    · 46 min · Episode 654

    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…

  10. What to Include in Your October Budget

    · 35 min · Episode 653

    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…

  11. My Mom Lost Her House. This Could've Saved Her

    · 48 min · Episode 652

    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…

  12. 7 Psychological Tricks Stores Use to Make You Overspend

    · 47 min · Episode 651

    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,…

  13. People Share How They Save Money on Utilities

    · 44 min · Episode 650

    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…

  14. Paying Full Price on These Items Is a Scam

    · 41 min · Episode 649

    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…

  15. 10 Money Decisions You Need to Make Before 40

    · 40 min · Episode 648

    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…

  16. When to Buy "Off-Brand" & When to Buy "Name-Brand"

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 647

    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…

  17. 2026 Weddings Have LOST The Plot

    · 44 min · Episode 646

    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…

  18. What to Include in Your September Budget

    · 34 min · Episode 645

    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…

  19. Just Yappin…

    · 45 min · Episode 644

    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,…

  20. People Are Finally Tired of Buying Junk!

    · 46 min · Episode 643

    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…

  21. I Lost 20 lbs & Saved $4,000!

    · 51 min · Episode 642

    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…

  22. DIY Financial Plan Part 4: Money Saving Systems

    · 34 min · Episode 641

    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…

  23. DIY Financial Plan Part 3: Retirement Planning

    · 31 min · Episode 640

    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…

  24. DIY Financial Plan Part 2: Debt & Emergency Planning

    · 34 min · Episode 639

    Now that you've built the foundation of your financial plan, it's time to prepare for the unexpected. In part two of this four-part series, Jen and Jill shift the focus to two of the biggest pillars of financial…

  25. DIY Financial Plan Part 1: Budget & Goal Planning

    · 31 min · Episode 638

    There are a lot of financial goals you can pursue and it can be confusing to know which ones to pursue first and to what extent. In this episode, Jen and Jill kick off a four-part series on building a comprehensive…

  26. What to Include in Your August Budget

    · 37 min · Episode 637

    Before August starts emptying your wallet, let's build a budget that's ready for it all. In this episode, we're covering everything to include in your August budget from back-to-school expenses and end-of-summer…

  27. How to Live With Less And Get More Out of Life

    · 45 min · Episode 636

    Now we have access to better everything. Better vacations, better homes, better routines, better storage systems, better skincare, but even with all this “better” we are still financially stretched and emotionally…

  28. Underconsumption Core 101

    · 48 min · Episode 635

    We frugal people are built different. Not in a weird way, but in a smart, practical one. If this episode resonated with you the first time, you're going to love revisiting it. We're diving back into the…

  29. You Might Have to Support Your Parents… Here’s What to Do

    · 45 min · Episode 634

    At some point, many of us will face a reality we didn’t plan for: helping our parents financially. Whether it’s covering bills, helping with housing, or stepping into a caregiving role, almost no one is talking about…

  30. How to Simplify Your Life to Save More Money

    · 49 min · Episode 633

    The beauty of simplicity is often overlooked. And having more can make it feel like you have it all, but really, it often makes life more complicated. With less, you are free to focus on what truly matters. Jen and…

  31. 21 Things Frugal People Don't Buy in 2026

    · 47 min · Episode 632

    Frugal people have figured out how to protect their savings without falling for marketing that sells an identity instead of real value. Jen and Jill dives into the “manufactured convenience,” subscription creep, AI…

  32. How to Stick With Your Big Financial Goals

    · 56 min · Episode 631

    Goal achievement isn’t linear and it takes a good amount of determination to push through, therefore today’s episode is a good mid-year reality check. Jen and Jill once again explore the power of mindset shifts,…

  33. People Share What They REGRET Purchasing | Buyer's Remorse

    · 47 min · Episode 630

    Have you ever bought something and instantly regretted it? Like “why did I spend THAT much on THIS?” Today we’re diving into real stories of buyer’s remorse, from real people not influencers or gurus trying to sell you…

  34. How to be Content Without Being Complacent

    · 56 min · Episode 629

    When you think about your life and ask, “Am I happy with how things are? Am I content with the life I have right now?” Do you say yes? It’s tough to figure out what’s just right for us without settling and feeling too…

  35. Frugal Living Tips From The Great Depression

    · 52 min · Episode 628

    Let’s take a look at the habits and mindsets that helped people thrive through some of history’s toughest times. In this episode, Jen and Jill share lessons from the 1920s and beyond that can help us push back against…

  36. How to Budget For July | Monthly Spending Tips

    · 38 min · Episode 627

    We’re already past the halfway point of the year, and a lot has happened. If your budget feels a little messy, July is the perfect time for a reset. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down everything you need to plan…

  37. Unhinged Baby Showers + Gender Reveals = Broke Parents

    · 47 min · Episode 626

    The baby isn’t born yet, and somehow the spending has already surpassed what could have gone toward years of their upbringing. Today, we're talking about how welcoming a baby has turned into a full-blown financial…

  38. We Tried 100 Side Hustles. These are Our Favorites.

    · 45 min · Episode 625

    There are countless side hustles out there, but not all of them are worth your time. We've tried enough of them to know which ones deliver and which ones don't. In this episode, we're breaking down the side hustles…

  39. Deinfluencing Amazon (Watch Before You Buy)

    · 51 min · Episode 624

    Amazon Prime Day is coming, and so is the temptation to click "Buy Now." But before another pile of packages lands on your doorstep, Jen and Jill uncover what's really going on behind Amazon. From fake reviews and…

  40. People Share Things They Never Buy to Save Money

    · 44 min · Episode 623

    Even the experts aren’t buying what you think they are. In fact, many of them believe the best solution is something you probably already own. In this episode, Jen and Jill share another round of things people are not…

  41. Quitting Social Media Changed My Life | My Social Media Detox Strategy

    · 48 min · Episode 622

    Social media has become the modern-day opium therefore - do not disturb mode on! Today, Jen and Jill share their experiences on and off social media, how both have changed our lives, and how you can do your own social…

  42. These Small Habits Are Costing You $10,000 a Year

    · 49 min · Episode 621

    The familiarity of our daily life sometimes masks as a trap to expenses that could’ve been saved had we only known. In this episode, Jen and Jill explore a few thoughtful revisions that can create more breathing room…

  43. Concerts & Music Festivals Are For the Rich (we're too poor for music!)

    · 53 min · Episode 620

    Concerts used to be fun, enjoyable, and memorable. Now, you have to put your happiness and love for music on credit too? In today’s episode we’re going to look at some of the INSANE prices people are paying to attend…

  44. How to Budget For June | Monthly Spending Tips

    · 44 min · Episode 619

    What was once in your email now has its own episode! This means a more comprehensive step-by-step guide to your monthly planners. Starting with the month of June, this episode covers what to budget for the month,…

  45. Store Loyalty Programs Are a Scam (And We All Fell for It)

    · 46 min · Episode 618

    Loyalty programs promise discounts, rewards, and exclusive perks. But what if those programs are actually designed to study your spending habits and push you to spend more? In this episode, we unpack how loyalty…

  46. Deinfluencing Summer Vacation Travel Influencers (so OVERRATED!)

    · 46 min · Episode 617

    BOOK THAT TRIP! says the influencers who are getting free flights, free hotels, and paid brand deals while the rest of us are left holding the receipt. This episode breaks down the travel hype, the hidden costs behind…

  47. 13 Things You're Probably Wasting Money on (That No One Talks About)

    · 50 min · Episode 616

    When we spend on something, are we really getting our money’s worth, or are we just paying for something we could’ve done without? This episode breaks down 13 sneaky ways you’re probably wasting money, what those…

  48. The Gambling Epidemic Will Keep You Broke (& You Don't Even Know it!)

    · 46 min · Episode 615

    You won but at what cost? The rush of “easy wins” is everywhere right now and it’s not just in casinos anymore. It’s in sports, in ads, in your very own phone. In this episode, Jen and Jill unpacks how gambling has…

  49. Cycle Syncing Your Money: Spend Less Without Trying Harder

    · 41 min · Episode 614

    Cycle syncing isn’t just for workouts or productivity—it can be a surprisingly powerful way to manage spending, saving, and financial decision-making because your hormones influence risk tolerance, impulse control,…

  50. We Tracked EVERYTHING We Spent for 30 Days (Here's What Happened)

    · 50 min · Episode 613

    It’s time to show you the truth about us. Behind being frugal, the reality is we still fall into spending traps. Doing a 30-day transaction inventory revealed a lot that they hadn’t noticed in the eight years of doing…

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