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Frugality,
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We help you control your spending without all the guilt and shame of strict budgeting.

Get ready to feel confident about your finances and afford more of the things money can’t buy.

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Extreme couponing is so 2012.

Modern frugal living is as much about preserving your time, physical space, and natural resources as it is about saving money.

No More Broken Budgets

Budgets are the diets of the financial industry. We help yo-yo budgeters end the guilt and shame cycle of “perfect” budgets and make one that actually works.

Financial Goals That Align With Your Values

There’s not one right way to do money. We help you find your core values and create a financial plan around them. And you always have the freedom to take what works for you and leave what doesn’t.

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Life can be focused on the destination but it’s lived on the journey. You need actionable strategies to make good decisions in advance and in real time. We’ve got you.

Frugal ≠ Cheap

We believe frugality isn't just clipping coupons and reusing Ziploc bags. It's the wise stewardship of resources: money, time, relationships, mental space, physical space, and natural resources.

Intention Matters

When we focus on consuming less, spending based on our values, and earning more in the workplace we can stop focusing on $3 decisions and start considering $3,000 and $30,000 decisions.

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We believe the best way forward is together. The only way women can close the wealth gap and experience financial freedom is by working together to educate, support, and celebrate each other.

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Frugal Friends

Frugal Friends
Between summer childcare, vacations, higher electric bills, Father’s Day spending, and constant “let’s just grab something” meals, June quietly becomes one of the most expensive months of the year. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to budget for June so you don’t end up overspending (or wondering where your money went). We’ll cover: - The most common June expenses people forget to plan for - What’s on sale (and what to avoid) - What groceries and categories are cheapest in June - And one money move you can do to set yourself up for success this fall If you’ve ever felt like your spending spirals every summer… this is the reset you need. Jen is running the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organization that helps families stay together when a child is seriously ill. 🏃🏻‍♀️ Donate here: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/run 03:28 - What to budget for June 09:04 - What’s on sale 12:47 - What NOT to buy 14:30 - What’s in season produce 17:19 - What to cook 20:15 - June Money move 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffpjunebudgetkit ⭐ Submit your BOTW: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill 📚 Our book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/ ⭐ Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/ 💌 The Friendletter: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 💰Spending Planner (30% off with code FRIENDS30): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/2026-spending-planner ⭐Values-Based Planning Bundle (on SALE): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/values-based-planner-bundle DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. In order to make the best financial decision for you and your family, you still need to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed professional if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Don’t make any decisions without doing your own research! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. This does not impact our personal opinions.
How to Budget For June | Monthly Spending Tips
Are loyalty programs actually saving you money… or quietly making you spend more? 👀 We all love a good deal—points, rewards, exclusive discounts—but what if those “perks” are actually designed to keep you spending more, not less? In this episode, we’re breaking down the dark side of loyalty programs: - How rewards programs change your behavior (without you realizing it) - Why “personalized deals” might mean you’re paying more than someone else - The psychology behind points, tiers, and why they’re so hard to resist - How companies use your data to maximize profit (not your savings) And most importantly—how to use these programs without getting played. Because spending isn’t about discipline—it’s a skill. And the more aware you are, the better you get at it. ⚠️ Protect yourself with Aura: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/aura Aura Masks your browsing with a VPN: Aura encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP, making it harder for retailers and their partners to track your activity across sites and tie it back to you. Blocks trackers and risky sites: Built-in safe browsing tools limit tracking scripts and flag unsafe websites, reducing how much behavioral data gets collected in the first place. Finds old loyalty accounts you forgot about: Aura scans for online accounts linked to your email and marks any inactive ones, so you can delete accounts that still store your purchase history and personal data. Aura will also flag any loyalty accounts tied to past breaches or poor privacy policies. Removes your data from broker sites: Aura sends opt-out requests to over 200 data broker and people search sites that buy and resell your information. It also keeps checking to remove it again if it comes back. 🛡️ Let’s get your life insurance quotes with Policygenius: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/policygenius 📚 Sources & Further Reading: • Berkeley Consumer Law Center on loyalty pricing: https://consumerlaw.berkeley.edu/news/price-loyalty-how-rewards-programs-trap-consumers-and-how-states-can-take-action-protect-them • Fortune on why loyalty programs aren’t as good as they used to be: https://fortune.com/2023/01/24/customer-loyalty-programs-not-as-good-as-they-used-to-be/ • Consumer Reports investigation on Kroger’s data tracking: https://www.consumerreports.org/media-room/press-releases/2025/05/consumer-reports-investigation-uncovers-krogers-widespread-data-collection-of-loyalty-program-members-to-create-secret-shopper-profiles/ • Customer loyalty programs: https://fortune.com/2023/01/24/customer-loyalty-programs-not-as-good-as-they-used-to-be/ 02:56 - Starbucks loyalty program downgrade 09:02 - How companies hook you into loyalty programs 15:53 - Loyalty programs hack your spending then get worse over time 21:52 - How do we stop it? 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffployaltyscams ⭐ Submit your BOTW: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill 📚 Our book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/ ⭐ Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/ 💌 The Friendletter: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 💰 Spending Planner (30% off with code FRIENDS30): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/2026-spending-planner ⭐Values-Based Planning Bundle (on SALE): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/values-based-planner-bundle DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. In order to make the best financial decision for you and your family, you still need to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed professional if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Don’t make any decisions without doing your own research! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. This does not impact our personal opinions.
Store Loyalty Programs Are a Scam (And We All Fell for It)
That “dream vacation” all over your feed? Yeah… we need to talk about it. In this episode, we’re deinfluencing the most overhyped summer travel trends—from luxury resorts you’ll barely enjoy to “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences that somehow feel exactly like everyone else’s itinerary. Because if your vacation leaves you stressed, overspent, and needing another vacation… was it really worth it? 🌊 In This Episode, we talked about: 04:34 – Travel expectations vs reality (instagram vs real life) 07:37 – Our very own experience in falling into these summer trap 11:19 – Why summer content is everywhere right now 23:59 – What no one tells you about Disney 31:16 – Skimpflation: paying more but getting less 32:39 – How to enjoy summer without overspending 🎉 Frugal Friends Mug Giveaway! https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/mug/ 🎫 Start saving coupons today at https://digiclippy.com/frugalfriends 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffpdeinfluencingsummer ⭐ Submit your BOTW: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill 📚 Our book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/ ⭐ Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/ 💌 The Friendletter: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 💰Spending Planner (30% off with code FRIENDS30): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/2026-spending-planner ⭐Values-Based Planning Bundle (on SALE): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/values-based-planner-bundle 🌐 Related article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-14347183/instagram-influencers-ruined-overrated-santorini-dubai.html DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. In order to make the best financial decision for you and your family, you still need to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed professional if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Don’t make any decisions without doing your own research! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. This does not impact our personal opinions.
Deinfluencing Summer Vacation Travel Influencers (so OVERRATED!)
Are you actually bad with money… or are you just spending on things that don’t matter to you? In this episode, we’re breaking down 13 sneaky ways you’re probably wasting money—and not the obvious stuff like lattes or takeout. These are the under-the-radar spending habits that quietly drain your bank account without adding real value to your life. Because here’s the truth: 👉 It’s not about spending less. 👉 It’s about spending better. We’ll help you spot the difference. 💸 In This Episode: 08:43 - The “invisible” expenses that add up fast 19:37 - Why sales, subscriptions, and convenience can cost you more than you think 23:54 - How marketing tricks you into spending (even when you think you’re being smart) 27:26 - The difference between enjoyable spending and default spending 46:54 - How to shift toward values-based spending (so you can buy what you love without going broke) 🎉 Frugal Friends Mug Giveaway! https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/mug/ 📶Premium wireless at a fraction of the cost with Mint: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/mint 🎙️ Get full show notes here! ⭐ Submit your BOTW: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill 📚 Our book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/ ⭐ Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/ 💌 The Friendletter: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 💰Spending Planner (30% off with code FRIENDS30): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/2026-spending-planner ⭐Values-Based Planning Bundle (on SALE): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/values-based-planner-bundle DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. In order to make the best financial decision for you and your family, you still need to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed professional if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Don’t make any decisions without doing your own research! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. This does not impact our personal opinions.
13 Things You're Probably Wasting Money on (That No One Talks About)
You think gambling is just sports betting apps… But “soft” gambling is costing you so much more than you realize. Most people think gambling means casinos, sports betting, or prediction markets. But the truth is… gambling has been quietly built into everyday spending. And it’s found its stride on social media. From mystery boxes and subscription services to blind bags and TikTok live sales—companies are using the same psychological gambling tactics used by casinos to keep you spending more. And the scariest part? It doesn’t feel like gambling. In this video, we break down: The hidden ways you’re gambling without realizing it Why “harmless” purchases feel so addictive How variable rewards keep you stuck spending And how to take back control with values-based spending Because this isn’t about cutting out fun—it’s about knowing when you’re being played. 02:50 - The History of Sports Betting 10:47 - Prediction Markets 16:32 - Soft Gambling 26:16 - Marketing Towards Women 🎉 Frugal Friends Mug Giveaway! https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/mug/ 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffpcyclesyncing ⭐ Submit your BOTW: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill 📚 Our book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/ ⭐ Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/ 💌 The Friendletter: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 💰Spending Planner (30% off with code FRIENDS30): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/2026-spending-planner ⭐Values-Based Planning Bundle (on SALE): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/values-based-planner-bundle DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. In order to make the best financial decision for you and your family, you still need to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed professional if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Don’t make any decisions without doing your own research! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. This does not impact our personal opinions.
The Gambling Epidemic is Keeping You Broke (& You Don't Even Know it!)
Most budgeting advice assumes you should have the same discipline every day. But what if your spending habits aren’t about discipline at all? In this episode, we break down how your hormonal cycle impacts your spending, saving, and financial decision-making—and how to use cycle syncing to your advantage instead of fighting against it. Because some days you’re wired to plan, save, and think long-term… And other days you’re way more likely to impulse spend, justify purchases, or say “I deserve it.” We’re not just talking about awareness—we’re giving you a practical system to: Reduce impulse spending without relying on willpower Time big financial decisions for better outcomes Build a budget that actually works with your energy Stop the guilt cycle around money mistakes If you’ve ever wondered why you can stick to a budget one week and completely fall off the next—this is the missing piece. 💸 You don’t have a discipline problem. You have a timing problem. 04:33 - What Is Cycle Syncing? 08:51 - Menstrual Phase: Review and reflect 14:00 - Follicular Phase: Create budget and set savings 21:01 - Ovulatory Phase: Financial conversations 26:12 - Luteal Phase: Make a plan ahead of time 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/ffpcyclesyncing ⭐ Submit your BOTW: http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill 📚 Our book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/ ⭐ Hang out with us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/frugalfriendspodcast/ 💌 The Friendletter: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/friendletter 💰Spending Planner (30% off with code FRIENDS30): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/2026-spending-planner ⭐Values-Based Planning Bundle (on SALE): https://frugalfriends.shop/products/values-based-planner-bundle DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. In order to make the best financial decision for you and your family, you still need to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed professional if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Don’t make any decisions without doing your own research! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. This does not impact our personal opinions.
Cycle Syncing Your Money: Spend Less Without Trying Harder
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The Definitive Guide to Values Based Spending

A relatable personal finance guide that gives a fresh take on how to control your impulse spending so you can stick to a budget and pay off debt, without the guilt and shame of traditional financial advice.

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Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni

Jen Smith

Jen and her husband paid off $78K of debt in 2 years, she's the author of 4 personal finance books.

Jill Sirianni

Jill is a licensed clinical social worker and the co-author of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke.

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