Frugal Friends Podcast
Business & Finance
About
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
- Concerts & Music Festivals Are For the Rich (we're too poor for music!)
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 concerts and music fes…
- How to Budget For June | Monthly Spending Tips
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, what’s on sale, and June’s…
- Store Loyalty Programs Are a Scam (And We All Fell for It)
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 programs work behind the sc…
- Deinfluencing Summer Vacation Travel Influencers (so OVERRATED!)
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 “dream trips,” and wh…
- 13 Things You're Probably Wasting Money on (That No One Talks About)
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 habits reveal about our in…
- The Gambling Epidemic Will Keep You Broke (& You Don't Even Know it!)
Jen and Jill discuss how gambling, including sports betting and in-app purchases, has become more mainstream and addictive in modern life.
- Cycle Syncing Your Money: Spend Less Without Trying Harder
This episode explains how cycle syncing can help manage spending, saving, and financial decision-making by aligning finances with menstrual cycle phases, as hormones impact financial behaviors like risk tolerance and impulse control.
- We Tracked EVERYTHING We Spent for 30 Days (Here's What Happened)
The Frugal Friends Podcast details the findings from a 30-day transaction inventory, revealing spending habits and traps they had not noticed in eight years. They share what they spent on and their learnings from this in-depth spending ana…
- The 7 Types of Impulse Spenders (Which One Are You?)
The Frugal Friends Podcast episode identifies and breaks down the 7 types of impulse spending, helping listeners recognize their patterns and stop the cycle.
- The Self-Care Industry Is Making Us Broke
This episode examines the financial burden of the self-care industry, noting that its normalization has come at a cost. It contrasts exhausting social media self-care routines with practical advice from a licensed mental health professiona…
- The Credit Card Rewards Game Is Changing (And Banks Are Winning)
Credit cards once felt like endless possibility and hope as if it’s free money. But lately people are noticing something strange as points are harder to use, more complicated and annual fees keep going up. In this episode, they explain wha…
- Listen to This to Shape The Future of Frugal Friends
Eight years ago today we started a podcast about saving money and somehow it turned into a movement. For 8 years, Frugal Friends has been helping people spend intentionally, save wisely, and push back against a culture of overconsumption.…
- 15 Save Money Tips I Wish I Learned Sooner
We haven’t always been money saving experts. There are some lessons we learned later in life that we wish we knew way sooner. These are tips we misinterpreted early in life, looked down on, or just didn’t know. In this episode, we are goin…
- Real People Share How They Save Money on Groceries
If there’s one thing we love more than saving money, it’s food. But it’s also one of the areas where most of us tend to overspend. So instead of listening to influencers and mom blogs telling us what to do, we’re hearing from real people w…
- We Make $7,000/Month… So Why Are We Still Broke? (Budget Makeover)
We got a budget confession that’s too good (and relatable) not to share. A listener shared their finances along with the moments that make money feel impossible to manage. In this episode, our goal is to figure out ways they can refine the…
- Got Extra Cash? Here's What to do With It
Windfalls come once in a blue moon. When they do, it feels like hitting the jackpot—suddenly anything seems possible. But if we don’t use them wisely, they can disappear just as fast as they arrived. In this episode, we’re walking through…
- 25 Little Luxuries That Are Worth Every Penny in 2026
We spend thousands chasing little luxuries—spa days, vacations, expensive coffee—but some of the best luxuries in life are completely free. In fact we believe most luxury isn’t actually about spending money, it’s about removing stress…
- Minimalism Isn’t Saving You Money Anymore (here’s why)
Minimalism, in the year of our lord 2026, isn’t what it used to be. What started as a way to simplify and save is now often costing people more, thanks to social media trends and influencer hype. Today, we’re breaking down how to get the r…
- 21 Spending Habits That Are Quietly Keeping You Broke
Warning: this episode might expose a few spending habits we’re all guilty of. The takes are spicy and the questions are thought-provoking, but the goal is simple: help you keep more of your money. Today, Jen and Jill break down 21 everyday…
- YOU'RE SLEEPING ON THE LIBRARY: 21 Ways to Use the Library
Libraries are a whole new universe for how much things you can get and do in it. More than just books, more than just a bunch of research, who knew there could so much more?! Today, Jen and Jill are unlocking all the hidden gems you probab…
- Your 2026 Money Problems, Solved: A Full Q&A Episode
Happy 600th episode! We hear you and we are here for you. Today we’re celebrating by doing what we love most—talking through real money problems. We’re answering listener questions and sharing fresh perspectives, practical ideas, and the v…
- The Subscription Crisis Is Worse Than You Think
It took 30 seconds to subscribe, but somehow forever to cancel. And all that time, it’s quietly eating your savings. Today, we take a look at how subscriptions quietly pile up, why small monthly fees are so easy to ignore, and how to reset…
- 2026 Frugality Reset: Fix Your Spending in 30 Days
If you fumble on your savings, this is your chance to reset and start again. This isn’t a no-buy year nor a deprivation approach. Just a frugality reset you can start today. In this episode, we break down a 5-phase reset to stop overspendi…
- We Review Your 2026 Side Hustles. Are They Worth It or a Scam?
We asked how you’re making extra money on the side, and your answers were surprisingly creative! Some are genius, some are chaotic, and some might not be worth the effort. In this episode, Jen and Jill rate seven real listener side hustles…
- This Is Why You Keep Buying Stuff (And It Never Fixes Anything)
Do you also take 10 minutes of your time to take personality quizzes? While it’s fun and really a great way to know more about ourselves, marketers have also realized that. In this episode we’re going to talk about identity, how it’s used…
- We Tried a No Spend Challenge. Here's How it Went
We caved in and did it ourselves. We decided to stop spending money for one month and it unexpectedly brought up stuff we didn’t expect. Today we’re breaking down where we nailed it, where we failed it, and what we’re taking away from…
- People Share What They're Doing to Save Money in This Economy
It’s one thing to sit week after week and tell you what we’re doing to save money or to watch other personal finance nerds tell you what they’re doing. But what are regular people out there doing to save money in this economy? We found wha…
- I Bought the ‘Right’ Car and Still Regretted It
Even when you make the right decision, there can still be regret at the end. Not because you’re bad with money, but because car buying is literally designed to mess with your head. Jen and Jill share both the regrets and the wins they expe…
- The Man Responsible For Why You're Broke
Your overconsumption may not be your fault because one man helped shape what consumerism looks like today. In this episode, Jen and Jill show how Edward Bernays made buying feel emotional and personal, while a system designed to influence…
- Our 2026 Money Predictions: What’s Coming and How to Prepare
Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. But this is the reality and you might want to prepare before things get really uncontrollable. In this episode, we’re going to dive into 5 predictions we have for what you can expect to see finan…
- Why You Feel Broke Even When You Make More Money (2026 Edition)
Society has shifted so much that even earning more doesn’t always feel like enough. This isn’t a personal failure but a pressure baked into the system. Jen and Jill walk through the psychology behind feeling broke and share practical ways…
- What You Actually Get for Your Money in 2026: Then vs Now
In 2006, everything just felt simpler. Fast forward to 2026, and it feels like you’re paying more for everything and getting less in return. Is that reality or is nostalgia just making us believe it? In this episode we’re looking at what y…
- 2026 Money Traps Everyone Is Falling For (Have You Noticed Them Yet?)
Going out used to feel enjoyable. Now it feels expensive and disappointing. From smaller portions to worse service, we’ve noticed a pattern and we know we’re not the only ones. In this episode, we call out six things we’re still paying for…
- How to Get Your Life and Money Organized (Without Budget Apps)
Everything is too much. Too much to track, too many places to track it. We can’t fix that but we can show you our systems. In this episode, we’re sharing three spreadsheets to organize your life and money plus the versions you can take hom…
- Why Everything Is Worse Quality Now (It’s Not Just You)
It’s not an illusion. Companies are definitely up to something behind the scenes of why those pants shrink after a few washes or why that appliance barely lasts a year. In this episode, Jen and Jill break down what’s really going on and de…
- 7 Frugal Passive Income Ideas For 2026
Curious if there’s one true, real passive way to earn money without doing anything? It’s possible, but it’s not that easy. In today’s episode, Jen and Jill share seven ways to bring in more income in 2026 by making the system work for you.…
- We Tried 19 Viral “Save Money” Hacks. Here’s What Actually Works in 2026
The internet loves a good money hack, especially when it goes viral. Whether or not they are effective is what Jen and Jill are all about. In this episode, they decided to try 19 TikTok famous, algorithm approved, emotionally unhinged vira…
- 4 Things Influencers Have Normalized (& we STILL Overconsume!)
It’s normal for influencers because they make money out of it, but we don’t! These influencers have normalized outrageous spending, yet we still fall for it. So in this episode, Jen and Jill reveal four things that have become normal that…
- 26 Frugal Habits to Save Money in 2026 (We LIVE by these!)
The secret to frugal living that truly sticks is frugal habits put into practice. In today’s episode, Jen and Jill share 26 frugal living habits that actually move the needle toward your financial goals and are easy enough to stick with lo…
- This Level of Overconsumption is Organized Hoarding | Unhinged Hauls
Who is actually using three big shampoos in a month, or sitting down to organize and use all those coupons? Today, we’re unpacking what’s really going on with stockpile videos, why these videos are so strangely compelling, and how extreme…
- Why Groceries Are So Expensive Now (& How You Can Save Money on Groceries in 2026)
You are not doing groceries wrong, groceries are doing you wrong. Because even if you try to buy less, grocery prices today are through the roof. So in this episode, we’re breaking down why food prices have risen so much, if they’re going…
- Why You Can’t Stop Shopping: The Psychology Brands Don't Want You to Know
If you love shopping but it makes you feel a little guilty then you are in the right place because in this episode, Jen and Jill walk you through how to spend money while being able to identify what you love spending on so you can finally…
- How to Stop Overspending in 2026 | 4 Steps to Go From Spender to Saver
Your overspending may not be your fault. We don’t think it’s an inherent shortcoming or due to lack of self discipline and promise you it is within your power to fix it. In today’s episode, we’re walking you through the four steps you need…
- Self-Improvement is a Lie | Deinfluencing "New Year New You" Motivation
Every year we hear “New Year, New You” but you are just buying the same journal, the same supplement, and the same productivity tracker. In this episode, we’re calling out the pressure to constantly upgrade yourself, breaking down the mark…
- 26 Things to STOP BUYING to Save Money in 2026
As we welcome 2026, it’s time to leave behind spending habits that quietly cost us more than we realize. In this episode, we’re breaking down 26 sneaky money habits we’ve cut from our lives to save in the new year. Some may be familiar, so…
- Will Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps Work in 2026? (our actual experiences)
This is an old, classic piece of money advice that many people use to learn personal finance, but the world has changed a lot, and we can’t expect it to work the same way anymore. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about the ways 'Baby Ste…
- What ACTUALLY Works to Save Money in 2026 | New Save Money Tips
Tired of the same old money advice every year? Couldn’t be us. These aren’t new tips for the sake of being new but new hacks that are actually worth your time. Tune in today as we dive into 13 brand new money-saving hacks that have only be…
- 5 Best Budgeting Apps For Beginners (Pay Off More Debt in 2026!)
We’ve tested a lot of budgeting tools and apps over the years. Some are a win and some that honestly should’ve not been made. If you’re ready to finally get control of your money and pay off more debt this year, you’re in the right place.…
- How to do a No-Buy or Low-Buy Year in 2026 (Our firsthand experiences!)
2026 is just days away, and before you know it you’ll be wondering how to make your budget work for the rest of the year. Let this be your sign if you’re planning a no-buy or low-buy year. Because Jen and Jill are breaking down exactly how…
- This TikTok Luxury Dupe Haul Trend is Tacky Overconsumption
“Made in Italy” when it’s really made in China? Appreciating the value of luxury is an art in itself, so choosing the real thing is a valid preference but at what cost? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what luxury really means, exp…