Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures

Frugal Friends Podcast

Leisure EN ↓ 641 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.

Author

Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures

Category

Leisure

Podcast website

art19.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

How Much Cash Should You Have Saved? with Brian Preston of The Money Guy 28.05.2024

We love convenience, who doesn’t? We love anything that will make our lives faster and easier; hence, we love cashless transactions but we have forgotten how significant it is to have cash. In this episode, Jen and Jill join Brian Preston of The Money Guy to discuss the importance of having saved cash, whether as emergency funds or for opportunities. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3Q...

How to Simplify Your Life to Save More Money 24.05.2024

Ever feel like your possessions have possessed your life? If it's badly affecting your finances, it might be time to say 'enough.' In this episode, Jen and Jill define what and when is enough for our finances through simplification, which will greatly encourage our mindset and overall finances.  🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/4dGF3En   💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5...

What Happens When You Stop Impulse Shopping 21.05.2024

We always see the “how-tos” or ways not to impulse shop, but what really happens after? How effective and beneficial is it in attaining our financial goals? In this episode, Jen and Jill read stories of real people who have overcome impulse shopping to discover and learn about its impact on our financial goals and, ultimately, our lives. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3wxybbG   💌 Wa...

Identify Healthcare Overbilling with Scott Speranza 17.05.2024

We came to a point where acquiring diseases and viruses no longer makes us super anxious, but rather from receiving a lengthy hospital bill and medical expenses! In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Scott Speranza, CEO of HealthLock, discover a long list of medical billing errors and share ways to identify and dispute healthcare overbilling. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/4bz...

The Psychology of Sales & Discounts 14.05.2024

Will it surprise you when you find out that the 10% off deal you got when you purchased your new containers is the actual price? In this episode, Jen and Jill give FREE hot takes on marketing ploys such as how discounts and price sales are made to trick you into buying, costing you more! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/4bk7lT9   💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes...

How Jen Paid Off $78,000 in 2 Years 10.05.2024

When paying off debt, it feels like a forever process of trying to decrease its amount, but when you look back, time just flew by like a wind! Jen shares her story of paying off her debt of $78,000 in just 2 years. Together with Jill, they celebrate and talk about the mindset shifts Jen needed to work on to pay off debt. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3wlhX5u 💌 Want to save money an...

Asking Questions That Lead to Better Spending Decisions with Jeff Wetzler 07.05.2024

We were conditioned to prioritize independence and self-sufficiency, sometimes at the expense of nurturing meaningful relationships. In this episode, Jen and Jill encourage us to refine our ways of asking the people in our lives, which results in better spending decisions. Joined by Jeff Wetzler, they explore the “ask approach” and its significance in self-awareness and connecting with others. 🎙️...

How to Make The Most of Yard Sales 03.05.2024

May is here, and so are yard sales! We have finally entered the season of yard sales, and some may have already been hunting and lining up for these sales. Don’t worry, Jen and Jill share tips on making the most of your yard sale stop and their experiences buying from one. Know which items to add to your list on your next yard sale visit!  🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/4cVjjnO   💌...

Grocery Store vs. Warehouse Club Savings Analysis 30.04.2024

Ever walk out of a warehouse club and realize you bought way too many things that weren't on your list? It’s time we turn you into a pro-bulk shopper, not an impulsive one! In this episode, Jen and Jill explore the myths about warehouse clubs and discuss pro tips on bulk buying. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3xvEWuR   💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The...

How to Keep Your Garden Alive with Nicole Johnsey Burke 26.04.2024

Does creating a garden sound magical and fairytale-like to you? But you always end up killing your plants, demotivating you to build one? Well, we all had the same experience as you do. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk all things gardening for beginners and to those who are hesitant to start with Nicole Johnsey Burke. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3WfyToA   💌 Want to save money a...

6th Anniversary Special!!! 23.04.2024

Celebrating 6 years and 400 episodes with the husbands back on the show! If you're hoping to get any financial advice in this episode, you will get a little. But this episode delivers all the things you asked for: the husbands, one-star reviews, and Q&As. We've laughed, we've learned, we've had great conversations, and now it's time to celebrate all those moments. We'd love for YOU to join the...

How to Spend When Your Values & Income Don't Align 19.04.2024

Bills, bills, bills! Who loves paying bills when it holds us back on spending on the things we love and value? Well, it doesn’t always have to be that way! In this episode, Jen and Jill make space on being able to spend guilt free and prioritizing it on our values. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3W2W6dz   💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter!...

Frugal Zero-Waste Living 16.04.2024

We often forget that good stewardship of our resources is a foundational part of a frugal lifestyle. While it is simply unrealistic to have total zero waste in our everyday lives, frugal zero waste living teaches us beyond wasting less and also fostering intentional consumption and choices. In this re-run episode, Jen and Jill talk about the 5Rs of waste management and zero-waste living, aiding ou...

How Cognitive Biases Cause us to Overspend with Amanda Montell 12.04.2024

“I deserve to buy this!” But are you really deserving of it? If you’re someone who thinks adding more items to your cart at checkout is going to solve all of your problems, then you deserve to hear this episode. Jen and Jill, together with Amanda Montell, author of acclaimed books such as Wordslut and Cultish, and a podcast host, talk about cognitive biases and their influence on not just our fina...

Minimalist Pantry Formula 09.04.2024

Got nowhere to place your piling-up girl scout cookies? You’re in for the ride! In this episode, Jen and Jill walk through creative ways to make a minimalist pantry. Figure out your next kitchen or pantry setup, the items you might use, and those that need to go! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3vFh339   💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Friendletter! O...

Creative Ways to Reduce Food Waste with Carleigh Bodrug of PlantYou 05.04.2024

While there are some who find it hard to let go, there are also those who easily discard things. In this episode, Jen and Jill learn from Carleigh Bodrug of PlantYou deliciously simple yet creative ways to repurpose food in hopes of reducing our food waste and being intentional about meal planning. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3TGaOnV   💌 Want to save money and spend better in jus...

Frugal Side Hustle: Summer Side Hustles for Teachers 02.04.2024

You are not just a teacher, but an all-rounder, a jack of all trades. Teachers’ honorable work in the classroom should never be undermined and should be greatly compensated. In this episode, Jen and Jill highlight the discrepancies in income and expenses for teachers that unfortunately push them to find additional work and the popular side hustles teachers can take on during the summer.   🎙️ Get f...

How Much to Have Saved For Retirement at 30, 40, & 50 29.03.2024

“I’m 35 and I feel far behind in life."  You’re wrong. You’re at the best time to start! In this episode, Jen and Jill discuss the amount (theoretically) you should have saved for retirement at certain ages without disregarding what you truly care about and want to do in life. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/4cvLNEH 💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 minutes? Get The Fri...

Living a Low Tox Life Frugally with Alexx Stuart 26.03.2024

If you just bought your new spring mattress and discovered the harmful chemicals of having one, this is us telling you that you do not immediately need to buy and swap your new mattress for a no toxin. In this episode, Jen and Jill, together with Alexx, discuss the benefits of reducing toxins in your everyday life and how it intersects with living a frugal life. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https...

Best Seasonal Grocery Sales 22.03.2024

Have you ever missed out on a huge discount sale at your favorite grocery store? This time, we’re not letting you miss out on any sales! No more FOMOs this year, as in this episode, Jen and Jill explore the seasonal sale cycles of groceries and the best times to buy and stock up your pantry! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/3IznkQN   💌 Want to save money and spend better in just 5 min...

Managing Money With ADHD/Neurodivergence 19.03.2024

While there’s beauty in your uniqueness, navigating a world yet to be designed for you can be quite challenging. In this episode, Jen and Jill discuss the struggles of a neurodivergent when it comes to personal finance and some helpful tips to manage your money. Flaunt your edge and claim the power you have over the system! 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/435DXgu 💌 Want to save money...

Creativity Over Consumerism with Miranda Anderson 15.03.2024

In a time where indulgence in impulsive buying and consumerism is being equated with self-care, practicing frugality is harder than one may think. Frugality fosters a mindset and lifestyle of creativity, advocating for intentional spending. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about how frugality encourages one to unleash their creativity in budgeting and saving with Miranda Anderson.  🎙️ Get full s...

How to Make the Most of a Farmer's Market 12.03.2024

Is the produce from your local Farmer's Market more expensive than buying from a grocery store? Let’s learn more about farmer's markets and how to shop in them! In this episode, Jen and Jill discover the small yet significant differences between buying from a farmers market and a grocery store and ways to successfully shop from farmers. 🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/49AuKiy 💌 Want...

ETFs & Index Funds & Bears, OH MY! 08.03.2024

Shifting to digital is not new but also not that old, as most people are still discovering new things online. If you have heard of the terms ETFs, index funds, and bear markets and are having a hard time differentiating and understanding each of them, then you’re in for a treat. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about investing for retirement, specifically using ETFs and index funds, and how it’s...

Best Vacation Destination Dupes (AKA: More Affordable!) with Jen on a Jet Plane 05.03.2024

There's nothing you can't do now that you're in New York! 🎶 Just like the song, the streets of New York will make you feel brand new without breaking the bank. Tag along as Jen and Jill, together with Jen on a Jet Plane, list down travel tips and vacation destination dupes you can visit within the US and overseas that are affordable and enjoyable!  🎙️ Get full show notes here!  https://bit.ly/49O...

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