Frugal Friends Podcast

We know minimalism and simplicity have great benefits for our lives, but knowing where to start or how to achieve this lifestyle can be daunting! Thankfully Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity and creator of the minimalist fashion challenge #Project333 breaks it down for us on this episode! Courtney shares her own minimalist journey and offers a great way to approach simplicity with your wardrobe!

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It’s important to have friends - especially when setting and reaching goals. Our friends can either support us or derail us, and while we would never advocate kicking anyone to the curb - we will give tips on how to surround yourself with a community that will assist you on this frugal journey!

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Believe it or not, SOMETIMES the most frugal option is the more expensive option! Today we talk about the areas where it's worth spending more because of the savings it could provide in the long run. We also discuss some common frugal tips that are misleading at best, and usually not worth following!

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Saving for kids' college is an admirable goal, but can sound overwhelming and expensive! On this episode, Abby Chao from College Backer talks candidly about why to save, when to save, how much to save, and where to save! Whether you have no kids, young kids, or even kids already in college Abby offers great tips and hope that it's never to late to save for college!

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We’ve all been there - whether in our financial journey or other life circumstances - we reach a point of low motivation or down-right discouragement and we want to just give up! In this episode we talk about this very real feeling and some practical ways to overcome this barrier, regain willpower, and press forward! Whether you’ve been there, or are there right now this one’s pivotal to consider in our frugal lifestyles!

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Having a hobby is crucial to the frugal lifestyle - it can provide rest, encourage creative, foster community, keep us from wasting our time + money on less important activities and so much more! BUT hobbies can also be expensive! On this episode we discuss how to enjoy a hobby with breaking the bank, and how to find a frugal hobby if you are still clueless in this domain!

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Paying off debt is a big (and worthwhile) goal, but what can be done when we have other financial goals we want to be pursuing as well? On this episode, we talk with Erin Lowry from Broke Millennial about what it can look like to balance paying down debt while also investing. There's a lot to consider in this topic, but we’re excited to pick Erin’s brain and share her insight here!

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We have been your Frugal Friends for one whole year now (ahh!) and what better way to celebrate than to talk about YARD SALES!? It’s one of our favorite topics AND activities, and today we’re talking about how to make the most of your ‘yard-saling’ (that’s right we made it a verb) experience! Whether you are going to yard sales, or hosting a yard sale, we’ve got some good tips for you!

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Homesteading is becoming more and more appealing , especially in the world of frugality, but what can be done for those of us who don’t sit on property or don’t plan to invest in land? Have no fear! Homesteading is not just about having a vegetable garden, it’s also a way of life with many practices that can be incorporated even into tiny or urban living situations!

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Student loan forgiveness - we’ve all heard about it, but is it real?! In this episode, we chat with Travis Hornsby from Student Loan Planner about all things student loan forgiveness, plus some tips we are sure you have never heard of before! We shared some laughs and received invaluable tips and knowledge on this very important, and sometimes overwhelming topic! Have a listen!

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It's one of the most important days of your life, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your (or your parents!) entire life savings! We're following up our Part 1 episode on ceremonies (ep. 6) with what you need to know to plan a killer reception and honeymoon without emptying that bank account, or worse, collecting debt!

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Frugality pairs nicely with many things, including environmental friendliness! Practicing good stewardship of resources is something us frugal folks have been doing for ages. Whether going 'green' is something you strive for or not, today we dive into how being frugal has some great environmental perks and why us frugal people can feel even more assured in our lifestyle.

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We know the benefits of minimalism and how it fits so nicely into a frugal lifestyle, but can minimalsim be achieved in the kitchen also? Today we talk with Kristen Marr from Live Simply about how to achieve a 'capsule pantry'. From how to identify the essentials, to shopping and stocking - Kristen gives some great insight into the most important part of a home; the kitchen!

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Warehouse clubs, the only place you can go to purchase your chicken, your wedding ring, your outdoor furniture, AND your underwear all under one roof! While it can be great to score some savings on toilet paper, today we explore the pros and cons of warehouse club shopping and how to determine if they provide the best frugal options for you!

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Negotiating; some people love it - others hate it. Either way, it can be a great frugal skill  for lowering bills, scoring deals, getting out of late fees, OR just enjoying some Saturday morning yard sales!

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We love to have guests on the show and today is no exception! We have THE Mrs. Frugalwoods (A.K.A. Elizabeth Thames), author and blogger on everything frugal+sustainable. AND since Jen is currently pregnant, we seized the opportunity to ask Mrs. Frugalwoods about pregnancy and parenting the frugal way. Let’s just say she did not disappoint! Check it out!

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Simple, DIY, Low-cost - these words are music to our frugal ears! We're excited to talk about how frugality can intersect with all aspects our lifestyles, including the way we clean! There's more to know about cleaning products than we ever thought - but have no fear - we've got all the do's and don'ts of DIY cleaning products you need to know! Whether you clean often or you can't remember the last time you swept your floors, there's some good stuff in this episode!

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The frugal life is not just about spending less, it is also about financial responsibility and planning well for those beautiful financial goals we know you all have! In this episode we get back to the basics, and talk about those fundamental aspects of personal finance; where you should be focusing your time, energy and resources to make the most of your life and earnings! Whether you are completely clueless on the things you 'should' know, or you need a refresher course on 'the big picture' - this one's for you!

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Today we’ve got Andy Hill from the Marriage Kids & Money podcast talking with us about how he and his wife PAID OFF THEIR MORTGAGE! Lots of people consider themselves debt-free even prior to paying off their house, but not Andy! Paying off a mortgage early is quite the under-taking and requires a great deal of determination, but Andy tells us how they made it happen! Andy gives us tips on how to pay off your house and be real-deal debt-free! Listen in!

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We've all seen them on TV - holding up the line, filling their carts, handing over coupons, and walking out of the store having only spent .10 cents! While there is some reality to the crazy deals people can get through extreme couponing - today we'll take a tempered approach and see what us frugal folk can glean from this practice. Join us as we talk about what's worth couponing and what we should leave for TV entertainment. A.K.A. couponing for 'normal' people!

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Today we’ve got Amanda Walker from the "Feel Amazing Naked" podcast. Amanda is a health and fitness coach who is also passionate about budgeting and paying off debt! We thoroughly enjoyed asking Amanda all the questions and getting inspired to leave behind our lame excuses for not taking care of our bodies! Amanda has so many great tips and an amazing perspective - we're confident you will enjoy her as much as we did!

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The 'KonMari method' has quickly become a buzz word in the world of minimalism, so it's only fitting that we explore topic further! Today we talk about what the KonMari method is, the benefits and pitfalls, and how this might help you on your journey with frugality. Whether you are familiar with the concept or not, and whether or not you want to 'pet' your things and 'thank' them before discarding them - this episode is offers a balanced perspective for you!

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Minimalism isn't just for your closets - the concepts can also be applied to your finances! Today we're talking about how to budget, and how to find a budgeting method that works for you, even if you're a frugal minimalist! There is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to budgets and our mantra is 'freedom', so skip the guilt trips and shame sessions and tune in to receive permission to find what works for you!

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We’ve got Merilee from Easy Budget (instagram sensation!) on the podcast today. She and her family have used Dave Ramsey’s baby steps - with their own modifications - to pay off $52,000 of debt. Merilee talks candidly with us about her debt free journey and ways we can all experience freedom even in the process of obtaining financial independence!

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It's crunch time people! For those exchanging gifts this season, we got you covered. Today we are talking about some free, or at least frugal, gift ideas! From quick and easy, to thoughtful and genuine; you can engage in this season of giving without sacrificing your budget.  

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'Tis the Season to be frugal (and jolly)! If you're trying to embrace this season without breaking the bank, you have friends in us! In this episode we're talking about how to have some frugal Christmas fun. From participating in traditions, to developing new ones; we explore all the ways to be festive, enjoy time with friends and family, and take advantage of all that the holiday's have to offer while still sticking to those financial goals!!

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We are beyond thrilled to be speaking with Joshua Becker, author of "The More of Less", on the podcast today! Joshua is a speaker, blogger, author, and expert on the topic of minimalism and he shares with us his own minimalist journey. We also talk about Joshua's book, tips for those desiring a minimalist lifestyle, where to get started, how to do this with a family, and the deeper discoveries minimalism affords us. THIS is the episode you don't want to miss!

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FREE; it's our favorite four letter word! Even better than spending less, is spending nothing - and today we're talking about how you can get everything you need for free! From 'buy nothing' groups, swaps, time banks, freecycle, and Craigslist - there are plenty of options for finding resources and items you want without spending a dime. Join us as we explore all the ways we can experience the joy of free!!

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To shop or not to shop? Black Friday offers all sorts of promises, but can they be trusted? In this episode we explore the pros, cons, and alternatives to Black Friday shopping. Whether you shop for bargains, to maintain tradition, or choose to refrain altogether - we have tips and suggestions for you!

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Today we talk with Andrew Wang from the Inspired Money podcast about all things investing! Andrew works as a financial planner and managing partner at his families firm, and he gives us all the details on making wise financial investment decisions, and how to make the most of your money even as a frugal investor. Whether you are knee deep in debt pay-off and have little clue about investment, or you have a fully functional understanding of your investment options, this episode is for you!

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Libraries aren't just for 6-inch voices and frail librarians anymore! Upon closer inspection, there is quite a lot to be gained from these community establishments. Beyond lending books, most libraries have a plethora of additional (FREE!!) resources and events just waiting to be discovered. Join Jill in being shocked by all libraries have to offer!

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They have a reputation for being 'shady' and there's the unfortunate play on words that TV shows love to exploit - but for the frugal shopper - pawn shops shouldn't be ignored! Today we discuss some of the highlights of these hidden gems and how to be a shrewd & savvy shopper in these secondhand establishments. We explore this topic from the perspective of the consumer and share our own areas of novice and expertise while also reviewing some common pitfalls. If you have frequented pawn shops, or have never stepped foot in one - this episode's for you!

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We are so excited to have Jess Dang, the Founder of Cook Smarts on the podcast today! After experiencing health complications of her own, Jess desired to provide a useful service to others that may be experiencing difficulty in meal planning, and finding recipes to suite their dietary needs. Jess gives us a behind the scenes look at CookSmarts, and shares some expert frugal tips for meal planning, eating at home, and improving your kitchen skills!

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Extra jobs, gigs, supplemental income, passive income - however you want to define - we're all talking the same thing: side hustles. While it's not necessary to have a side hustle to be frugal, they can certainly help in the "debt-pay-off-and-other-financial-goals" journey! In this episode we look at the most (and least) lucrative side hustles, discuss realistic expectations, things to consider when taking on extra work, and our own experiences with side hustles. Having more money would be great, but how do we do this with the least amount of time investment, and the highest financial return? Listen in!

Sponsors:

• frugalfriendspodcast.com/csCookSmarts: Not an official sponsor, but we like them! It’s a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week, with dietary adjustments to meet your needs. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at
• We all only get 24 hours in a day, but planning how to spend those hours is the difference between getting nothing done and getting something done. It’s the best way to feel accomplished - and make room for that amazing side hustle! Time management. If you didn’t learn it when you were 10, try it now!Time Management:

Notable Notes: 

• • This article from Market Watch gives the most (and least) lucrative side hustles. 
  What the Internet has to say:
• • We agree with selling/renting property as the most lucrative side-hustle. Jen has had great success with renting a room in her home on Airbnb, it is not a big time commitment but provides a great payoff!
  • Selling crafts is so labor intensive, with such low financial return that you might as well get a part time job at Trader Joe’s instead
  • Biggest key is ENJOYING your side hustle
  • A few resources for getting your feet wet with a side hustle include:
    • TaskRabbit allows users to advertise skills like building furniture or moving boxes
    • Fiverr connects people with freelance work such as resume writing or translation starting at $5 per job
    • Wag! is for dog-walkers and takes a cut of the fee pet owners pay
  What Jen and Jill have to say:
• • This article from Side Hustle Nation lists a comprehensive 99 side hustle ideas. 
  More from the Internet
• • Nearly nothing on this list is applicable to our lives, but it does get our creative juices going!
  •  Selling on amazon - personal story of the pitfalls, but can be a worthwhile side hustle!
  • Teaching english - can be a legitimate way to earn money VIPkid
  More from Jen and Jill

frugalfriendspodcast.com/billBILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit to leave us a bill

Our side hustle experience:

• -airbnb, amazon - selling t-shirts, self publishing, online data entryJen
• - custom furniture, painting, cleaning, bartending/serving private events, DJ-ing, flips of vehicles, yard sales (online and in person) Jill

Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

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Keeping up with repairs and maintenance of our homes can be costly! And the issues always arise at the worst possible times! Today we look at what the internet has to say about economical ways to tackle home repair projects, while also sharing our personal experience. We even discuss the ‘tools’ every home should have. No matter your level of ‘handiness’, frugality can intervene.

Sponsors: 

• Not an official sponsor, but we like them! It’s a meal planning service that provides recipes, instructions, weekend prep options, and a shopping list for 4 meals per week, with dietary adjustments to meet your needs. They are offering 3 free weeks of meal plans if you sign up at frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs CookSmarts:
• Not the brand, just the tape. Need a dress to wear out on the town? Make it out of duct tape. Broken pipe? Duct tape. Broken door knob? Duct tape. The most versatile maintenance and fashion product on the market.Duct Tape:

Notable Notes: 

• • This article from life hacker lists common home repairs that most people could tackle themselves. From clogged garbage disposals to jammed windows, they provide a pep talk convincing you that you’re capable along with video links to show you how!
  What the Internet has to say:
• • We like this list because these are our most common problems! 
  • Finding video tutorials for the issue you are experiencing is the best way to cut costs on repairs. Oftentimes it is very possible to fix minor issues yourself! 
  What Jen and Jill have to say:
• • This article, also from life hacker, provides a guide on building a toolbox to meet your home maintenance needs. From basic to pro, there are some great suggestions!
  What the Internet has to say:
• • Our biggest take-away is organization! DIY repairs and home maintenance will seem all the more overwhelming if you can’t find your tools - and definitely not cost effective if you end up just buying new every time!
  • Tools we like = duct tape, lighter fluid (ok, maybe that’s not a tool), hammer, POWER DRILL!
  • Tools we laugh at = level 
  • We agree with the list of ‘non-essentials’ but helpful items including: safety goggles, work gloves, rags, pencil, superglue, and WD-40.
  • Pawn shops are great for finding cheap tools
  • Cheapskate toolbox: vice grip, WD-40 and duct tape, multitool, pliers, ruler, several screwdrivers, scissors 
  • You don’t need a shed full of tools to get the job done!
  What Jen and Jill have to say:

BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

• Thank you Leah for your bill of the week! Thanks for sharing your savvy genius!

Bonus Internet Find:

This article from Hub Your Home lists projects you should NOT tackle yourself. Call in the professionals for these! Know your limit and learn from the show ‘home improvements’ - it will only benefit your relationship with housemates!

• Electrical work
• Garage door repair
• Roof repair
• Tree removal
• Crown molding

Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!

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We are so excited to have Cait Flanders, author of "The Year of Less", on the podcast today! Cait underwent a two-year shopping ban that changed not just her finances, but her life.  Cait is here on the podcast to tell us more about her experience, and give tips to others considering a lifestyle change. 

Sponsors: 

• - not an official sponsor, but we are big fans! It’s a meal planning service that provides 4 meals per week and they have regular, gluten-free, paleo, and vegetarian versions AND they’re offering 3 free meal plans and 20% off paid meal plans through Sept 26th (with more sales in the coming months). Nobody should say no to 3 free meal plans so head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs. If you do make a purchase you’ll help support the podcast. CookSmarts
• - buy nothing, spend nothing. nothing. try it out!Nothing

Notable Notes:

• Cait Flander's book "The Year of Less" was our first book for our Frugal Friends Book Club in the month of September. So it goes without saying that we are thrilled to be speaking with the author! Cait speaks candidly about the realities of this shopping ban experience, while still maintaining herself and dignity in the process. 
  • Questions for Cait from Jen and Jill: 
    • How was the second year of the shopping ban and how has life been since?
    • Were you surprised by the peripheral issues and difficulties that the ban brought up for you? Did you anticipate so much ‘soul-searching’ and emotional/mental growth?
    • What do you recommend for people who want to do a shopping ban?
    • Overall what has stuck the most? (i.e. shopping being something we bond over, spending and mindfulness, needing friends in the process, overcoming rationalizations, etc.)
    • What feedback have you received from readers? Any exciting stories that others have shared with you about the impact you’ve had?
  • Questions from the Community 
    • Leah: "In the book, you compare and contrast your physical addictions with your spending addictions; wondering about comparing and contrasting between working through each?"
    • Jessi: "What was your favorite part of the shopping ban? And the thing you were most excited to purchase after?"
    • Emily: "So many minimalism writers and creators say to give up the stuff to find what matters but no one talks about how they found what matters after they gave up the stuff. I feel like you’ve tried to fill this gap better than anyone, but what are your thoughts?"
    • Chris: "Have you always had a love for numbers and stats or did you just do it for the book/blog."
    • Jennifer: "Will you ever blog or podcast again?"

BILL OF THE WEEK - Thanks Cait for sharing your 'bill' with us this week!

• If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill!

 Head over to our Facebook group Frugal Friends Community for more content and camaraderie throughout the week.

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We all want to enjoy quality time with our significant other, but how can we do this on a budget?! Today we’re talking about nurturing our relationships and our bank accounts. We search the internet, and discuss our own tips on getting out (or staying in!) to enjoy fun and memorable dates with your love!

Sponsors: 

• If you’re married or in a relationship or a human being you want love. Remember, you can’t buy me love but you can buy me a financial future that will ensure I stay with you until death do us part.Love:

Notable Notes: 

• • This article from StyleCaster brings us 31 FREE date ideas. 
  What the Internet has to say: 
• • We like tip #8, which is enjoying a beach day - this can be done inexpensively and even in land-locked areas by finding a nearby lake with a bit of nice shoreline!
  • Tip #13 recommends visiting an open house, which we definitely think is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Jill has taken this a step further to recommend boat and RV show rooms :)
  • We agree with tip #25 which recommends playing old school video games - even those least interested in video games can get on board with pacman!!
  • One of our favorite ideas was #5 which is geocaching - the adult (but still child friendly) version of a treasure hunt! PLUS this is how Travis proposed to Jen!! (aww ;))
  • We don't recommend #15 Messy Twister - unless chocolate is involved.
  What Jen and Jill have to say:
• • This article from The Krazy Coupon Lady lists 23 cheap and free date ideas. 
  What the Internet has to say:
• •  We like that this article listed frugal date ideas in addition to free date ideas - there should be money in the budget to go out, but we certainly do not always need to spend top dollar! 
  • #5 cook together - we agree that this can be a great way to bond, create a new experience, and work side by side.
  • We like idea #14 which gives ideas on getting cheap tickets to local sporting events. Because there's so much baseball (Plus minor leagues!)
  • We love that this article recommends playing together, Tip #21 suggests playing outside - we like frisbee, badmitton, volleyball, or simply playing 'catch'!
  •  Check out tip #4 which recommends groupon for purchasing couples massages - this is a great way for a luxury date on a budget!
  • #16 go to a 'you-pick' farm - look into farms in your area allowing you to pick and pay for what you have harvested. This is a nice "two for one" date in that you can enjoy time at the farm, AND go home and make something with your bounty!
  What Jen and Jill have to say:

BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

• Thanks so much Jenna for sharing your frugal tips! We love to learn new ways to save on gym costs - and what a great date idea to do a yoga class with your significant other!

General Rules to Live by and Other frugal date ideas:

• Invest in something small that will provide multiple enjoyable and memorable dates (i.e. small motorized raft for a summer-times worth of boating and picnics!)
• Explore yard sales and thrift stores together, with a set spending limit in mind
• Work on a project together, or volunteer together
• Combine something you have to do with your partner. Running, Don’t do something free that will cause you to spend money elsewhere (ie. taking a walk and ending up buying a $4 coffee, just bring your own.) 

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In this episode we’re talking about minimalism and it’s part in frugality. You don’t have to be a minimalist to be frugal - but you might find that as you buy less and place less value in stuff you cultivate your own definition of minimalism.

Sponsors: 

• Do you like to go out to eat but hate seeing the bill at the end of your dining? Take a friend - split your meal! Furthermore- would you like to practice portion control, and experience the frugal benefits of your clothes continuing to fit you year after year? Split your meal! It’s the original stomach shrinking, wallet preserving technique. Try it out. Meal splitting.Splitting Meals:

Notable Notes:

• • This article from The Minimalists explains what minimalism is and what it is not. 
  What the Internet has to say:
• • We like that minimalism can help you afford higher quality things by buying buying fewer things 
  • There is often freedom in the form of greater emotional, mental, and relational capacity as a result of pursuing minimalism and frugality
  • Minimalism comes in many shapes and sizes; this is not a one size fits all!
  • We love the quote: “Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.”
  What Jen and Jill have to say:
• • This article from Reader's Digest gives a list of 12 things minimalists wish we would all stop spending money on. 
  What the Internet has to say:
• • Single use kitchen gadgets. so true! Find tolls that serve multiple purposes!
  • We agree with the collection of craft supplies being a little excessive and a slippery slope! Beware!
  • We found this statistic listed in the article to be interesting, "Americans wear 20%of their clothing 80% of the time" - let's consider our own version of a 'capsule wardrobe'!
  What Jen and Jill have to say:

frugalfriendspodcast.com/billBILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit to leave us a bill

• Thank you MK! Our life song!! an amazing throw back, and connection to this segment. You are a genius! 

- What we have to say about minimalismPersonal & Community

• Maria:  "I feel the shift to this (minimalist) mindset for me has been directly related to frugal and intentional living, especially over the last five years. I've realized I really don't need a whole lot to live a satisfying life."
• Bronwyn: "Right now my focus in (minimalism) is disconnecting from consumer culture so that I have only what I really need. I’m still trying to find a balance between not having too much and still having enough."
• Emily: "I started with fitness, which led to simple and clean eating, which led to simple living i.e. minimalism which led to financial simplicity i.e. cleaning up my debt and spending habits"

 To hear more from us and our frugal friends community, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/frugalfriendspodcast/See you there!

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It is Jen’s one year debt free-iversary so it's only fitting that we celebrate, and talk about what life looks like after becoming debt-free! From credit card bills to student loans to car payments; debt comes in many shapes and sizes and paying it off is a lofty and noble goal, but requires hard work and laser focus. In this episode Jen talks about what it's like to lift your head up from accomplishing this singular goal, and the difficulties in finding a new rhythm while identifying and naming new (and often diverse) financial goals. Even if you are still in your debt pay-off journey, you don't want to miss this episode!

Sponsors: 

• Podcast Crafter: whether you’re starting from scratch or need to free up your time, Podcast Crafter offers a suite of services for personal and business podcasts including branding, custom soundtracks, full episode production, & publishing. Visit http://www.podcastcrafter.com to schedule your free 1 on 1 consultation.
• Gazelles: We hoped to have Dave Ramsey sponsor us, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to that the Gazelles offered. 

Notable Notes: 

• What the Internet has to say 
  • This article from Good Moneying talks about prioritizing financial goals once you have achieved debt freedom. They give an incredible, and simple, chart to assist in naming and prioritizing goals. The author recommends creating large categories of 'emergency', 'liability', 'desire', 'responsibility' and writing individual goals within each category, followed by numbering each item in order of importance. This is a great exercise for anyone wondering where to begin with setting new financial goals.
  • This article from Financial Panther discusses a new concept coined 'barista FIRE' and explains this notion of 'financial independence, retire early' from a little bit different of a perspective. The article argues that people may be able to attain FIRE at a faster rate if they continued to hold low paying but enjoyable jobs after a large sum of money was saved. These jobs could add a buffer to the amount of money needed each year and provide a more attainable financially independent situation, although not be completely 'retired'. An idea worth considering!

BILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to record your voicemail right to the website!

• Thanks Amia! A paid bill is the best bill!

Personal & Community

• Tell us what life looks like for you after becoming debt free (or what your debt free journey is looking like) by joining our facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/frugalfriendspodcast/search/?query=debt
• We look forward to hearing from you!

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Paying off debt, saving money, or reaching other financial goals may seem impossible when you have children - but on this episode Allison from Inspired Budget proves to us it's not! Allison talks candidly about how she and her husband paid off 6 figures of debt with babies in tow. Listen in for some useful and tangible tips to help you on your frugal and debt-free journey!

Sponsors: 

• Podcast Crafter offers a suite of services for personal and business podcasts including branding, custom soundtracks, full episode production, & publishing. Visit podcastcrafter.com to schedule your free 1 on 1 consultation.
• The Financial Freedom Planner was created by Jen to fill in the gap between knowing you need to take control of your finances and achieving the self discipline you need to do it. This planner helps you put your ideas and goals on paper, or in the editable PDF! Check it out at frugalfriendspodcast.com/planner and see if it can benefit you as much as it has benefitted us!

Content: 

• We ask our frugal friend Allison from Inspired Budget all about her debt free journey while raising children. Allison talks about 
  • How much debt they had, what it was, and how long it took to pay it off
  • Ways she kept costs low while having kids, medical bills, and managing children's exposure to 'things'
  • Budgeting, cash envelopes, emergency funds, and approaching debt-freedom as a journey
  • What comes after the big debt pay-off, and ways to set goals with your spouse and kids

BILL OF THE WEEK 

Thanks Allison for also sharing your bill of the week with us! We're so glad you found a great preschool for your son!

If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com

Want more from the Frugal Friends?!

We are starting The Frugal Friends Book Club! And you could of the book!win a copy

• We’re going to read 1 frugal book every month, starting in September with "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders. Cait did a two year shopping ban that changed not just her finances but her entire life. AND we’re giving away the book for free! For every 5 reviews we get this month, we’ll give away 1 copy of the book!
• To enter to win the book leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just itunes!) screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com

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Before the frugal journey, comes the "why" that propels it all. It is different for each of us, but there needs to be a reason behind the unusual frugal lifestyle we choose! Today we discuss our "why's" and help you define yours.

Sponsors: 

• Podcast Crafter - podcastcrafter.com
• The Financial Freedom Planner - created by Jen, the Financial Freedom Planner fills in the gap between knowing you need to take control of your finances and achieving the self discipline you need to do it. Check it out at: frugalfriendspodcast.com/planner 

Notable Notes: 

This article from US News gives 6 reasons about why frugality is important, followed by a short list of some great frugal skills to acquire. We agree with the frugal benefits listed!

• Reasons we like frugality: 
  • allows us to work our dream career (even if it's lower paying!)
  • frugality is better for the environment - hello simplicity!
  • helps us save aggressively for retirement
  • changes our perspective entirely on nearly everything!
    • Oh, and here's Jill's sister's deodorant - Native https://www.nativecos.com/product/deodorant-women/

This article gives a unique perspective on frugality and touches on another one of our "why's" for living the frugal lifestyle, which is generosity. Becoming Minimalist writes about 9 ways generous people see the world differently, and we think there are a lot of overlaps with frugality here!

• What we have to say about this topic: 
  • how we approach frugality and generosity really speaks to the age-old 'ice-breaker' question of “what would you do if you had a million dollars?”
  • frugality allows us to give of our time and resources in a way that is sustainable

frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comBILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to

• Thank you Jocelyn for sharing your bill! We love babies, especially babies named Billy in 2018!

From our community - here's what our frugal friends had to say about their "why's" behind frugality:

• Hilary said traveling inspires her frugality and seeing that it’s people, not stuff that brings her joy
• Shaana is trying to be a good steward of the blessings she has, she wants to help kids pay for college, AND she wants to be able to give more
• Alexandra said it’s because her family was notorious for frivolous spending when she was a child and she promised herself she wouldn’t follow in their footsteps 
• Katherine said it’s because her husband is a grad student and she’s a relatively new entrepreneur

In case you haven't heard....we are starting The Frugal Friends Book Club!

• We’re going to read 1 frugal book every month and we’ll start in September with The Year of Less by Cait Flanders, Cait did a two year shopping ban that changed not just her finances but her entire life. And we’re giving away the book for free! For every 5 reviews we get this month, we’ll give away 1 copy of the book.
• To enter to win the book leave us a review on your podcast listening device, not just itunes, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com
• We’ll select the winners on August 31st.

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Today we dive deep into meal planning. We cover the "how to's" of meal planning and meal prep, the "why's" behind it, what to do when meal prep is not a possibility, freezer meals, and planning around grocery flyers and sales. For some, meal planning and prep is a life goal, and for others this process is a walk in the park; but for all of us who desire to live a frugal lifestyle it is an important aspect of our journey! So let's figure out a system that works for us!

Sponsors: 

Books - the frugal entertainment

Podcastcrafter.comPodcast Crafter - Check them out and hire them for all your podcast needs!

Notable Notes

• • This article from Kitchn provides a beginners guide to meal planning, complete with definitions, tips for starting, and what meal planning is not.
  • BudetBytes provides another guide to meal prep and planning and answers the questions of "why" do it, foods that can be prepped ahead of time, how to know if food is still "good", and who meal prepping works for.
  What the Internet has to say:
• • Meal planning isn’t the holy grail! It offers a template, so plan for takeout, delivery, and leftovers, because you don’t need 7 meals planned and purchased every week! 
  • Meal planning can be flexible, and does NOT need to be entirely home cooked
  • Make a master ingredient list on your phone or tablet to know what you have in stock, and what to purchase when out
  • Use last night's leftovers for lunch!
  • Pre-chop veggies  all in one day to make cooking easier throughout the week. Involve your partner, friend, or children in on this process!
  What Jen and Jill have to say:

frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comBILL OF THE WEEK - If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to

Our Experience

• Jen
  • Have a template, such as 1 asian meal, 1 mexican, 1 slow cooker meal, etc. 
  • Cultivate a love for leftovers - it's frugal :)
• Jill
  • Keep simple and start small - otherwise you will get overwhelmed and won't stick with it!
  • Consider cooking up your main meat or veggie in a simple way and add it to different meals throughout the week (i.e. breaded chicken added on top of salad, in a sandwich, or with sauce and pasta)
  • Utilize home-cooked frozen meals (or store bought) in your meal planning routine
• Check out frugalfriendspodcast.com/cooksmarts - this site creates 'made for you' meal plans, complete with a shopping list and recipes!

What's Next?

Introducing, !The Frugal Friends Book Club

We’re going to read 1 frugal book every month and we’ll start in September with "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders. Cait did a two year shopping ban that changed not just her finances, but her entire life.

For every 5 reviews we receive this month, we’ll give away 1 copy of the book.YOU COULD WIN!

To enter to win the book leave us a review on your podcast listening device, (not just itunes) screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com

We’ll select the winners on August 31st!

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We all want our home to be a place where we can relax, enjoy family time, and entertain others; but how do we create a beautiful and functional environment without breaking the bank? Today we look to the internet and Jill's personal expertise on interiors to bring you some top notch tips on uniquely decorating your space the frugal way!

Sponsors: 

Spray Paint: Don't like the color of your cabinet hardware? Spray paint it! Wish that plastic owl was gold?Spray paint it!

podcastcrafter.comPodcast Crafter: Your one stop shop for all your podcasting needs! From show notes, to individual soundtracks, to production - Podcast Crafter has what you're looking for. Check them out!

Notable Notes

• What the Internet has to Say: 
  • Apartment Therapy curated 20 tips for decorating on a budget from a few of the pros. Some out of the box ideas are shared from those in the business of decorating homes.
• What Jen and Jill have to Say: 
  • We like what Jamie Drake has to say about shopping at home. Check your basement, attic, or even other rooms for pieces that could accentuate or complete the look you want.
  • Emily Henderson also shared a great tip in the article about focusing on one statement piece and finding less expensive items to compliment that decor.
  • We also agree to focus on the shape and function of furniture as they can be reupholstered or painted if the color or fabric is not quite right.
• More from the Internet: 
  • This Country Living article provides 38 decorating ideas for those sprucing up their homes on a budget. The author focuses on small projects that can make all the difference in the look and feel of the rooms in your home!
• More from Jen and Jill:
  • While there is much to debate about wallpaper, it can be worth considering on an accent wall; especially if you purchase the kind that is easily removed! Check out this article for a list of companies selling removable wallpaper!
  • We also agree with the tips on adding a fresh coat of paint to walls as a way of re-imagining a room(#3), using trays and large plates to organize and corral items (#9), turning cards or prints into framed pieces of art (#24), and changing out the hardware on cabinets for a clean and updated look (#25)!

BILL OF THE WEEK 

Thanks for sharing your bill with us! We always love hearing all the creative bills you are excited about!

frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.comIf you want to submit your bill of the week, visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to

• Our Experience 
  • Jill can't speak highly enough about yard sales, thrift stores, the clearance section, and AUCTIONS! If you can be patient, and keep a running list of the things you are looking for, you can usually find something one of a kind!
  • Also consider DIY projects - get inspired by pinterest when decorating different parts of your home!
  • Keep an eye out for free curb-side treasures! Jill has scored some great furniture and decor both for herself and for friends this way!
  • The best thrift stores for specific needs:
    • Habitat for Humanity ReStore: fixtures, furniture, hardware 

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In this episode we talk with Amanda from Debt Free in Sunny CA about her massive $133,763 debt pay-off! Amanda and her husband paid off over $133,000 of debt in 43 months and became debt free just a few short weeks ago on July 5th 2018. During that time she started the #debtfreecommunity on Instagram that has become a safe haven for others paying off debt.

Notable Notes

Amanda shares tips on how they paid off debt, getting her partner on board, and even how to save on pet care and vet bills! We also discuss the importance of finding your "why" in this debt-free and financial independence journey. Amanda shares her "why" along with other great insights on partnering with your spouse to accomplish financial goals.

We had a great time talking with Amanda and hearing her amazing debt pay-off story, and celebrating her accomplishment with her! Not to mention, we always appreciate learning new tips from our frugal friends!

BILL OF THE WEEK- Thanks Amanda for sharing your bill! 

If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com

Thanks so much for hanging out with us. If you like the message we’re spreading you can support us by leaving a review on Itunes  or Stitcher and hitting the subscribe button to get new episodes every Frugal Friends Friday. AND join our Facebook group at frugalfriendspodcast.com/group for more discussion on today’s episode and tips from the community.

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Ugh, student loans. Let's all have a collective, frustrated sigh. Even for the most debt averse people, student loans are often still a part of the equation. SO, let's talk about getting rid of those loans!! This episode explores ways to save on student loans, refinancing, loan forgiveness programs, and straight up lifestyle changes to help get rid of student debt fast! We're glad you're here and we're excited to have frugal friends in this debt-free journey!

Notable Notes

What the Internet has to say:

• This article from student loan hero provides a comprehensive list of loan forgiveness programs. The site provides clickable links for each type of loan forgiveness option, along with explanations for the different programs.
• Student Loan Planner goes into great detail about the public service loan forgiveness program and tips for applying while also avoiding the pitfalls.
• If considering refinancing students loans, check out this article! Student loan hero advises 6 steps to take prior to applying to refinance.
• And check out Jen's story on Student Loan Hero!

What Jen and Jill have to say:

• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) is the best, but also probably not the best. Being that this loan is a government program, things could change! There are also a lot of caveats to be aware of, so heed the advice of those that have gone before us!!
• Refinancing can be a great solution to get your loans all in one place and lower your interest rate. 
  • We recommend Education Loan Refinancing since it has the lowest interest rates and the highest cash incentive ($200!) if you sign your loan within 30 days of approval. AND if you use our affiliate link to sign up, you'll get an extra $100!!

Our Experience:

• Jen has her own amazing student debt pay-off story! Check it out on her blog Saving with Spunk  
• Use speed! Going hard at paying down your student loans fast is the only way to save money, and pay down debt efficiently
• Bonus link! Check out this article for more tips on loan forgiveness, not mentioned in the show! 

BILL OF THE WEEK: Thank you again Hannah Randall for your SECOND bill of the week! You get the loyal frugal friend award!

If YOU want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com

Sponsors

check them out for all your podcasting needs! podcastcrafter.comPodcast Crafter -

want to pay off your student loans? It just takes TIME (and money) :)Time -

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With healthcare costs rising we thought it only fitting to talk about frugal ways to approach caring for yourself. We cover healthcare sharing, HSAs, ways to maintain health, acupuncture, glasses/contacts, teeth cleanings and more! We know it's a frustrating and sometimes boring topic but we promise to bring some lighthearted humor and invaluable tips for this necessary issue.

Sponsors

• podcastcrafter.com - incredible podcast production services - check 'em out!
• - the frugal dinnerbeans and rice

Notable Notes

• • This article from Mila at The Balance shares 10 ways to minimize costs on health care and insurance. Mila gives helpful information on the different nuances of various health insurance plans and some pitfalls to watch out for. While mainly talking health insurance, there are some great tips regarding billing and finding discounted services.
  • • We agree with tip #3 about being aware of balance billing; this is a real thing! Doctors offices may try to bill you for the balance not paid by insurance, but you do not always need to pay this
    • We like tip #4 about finding alternative insurance. Some options include: Farm Bureau Financial Services, Medi-Share
    • We do recommend looking into getting a health insurance broker, sometimes this can save big money and YOU don't pay for the brokers services
    • #10 is the tried and true frugal method; shop around and compare costs for specific procedures
    What Jen and Jill have to say:
  • This article by Wendy at WebMD 5 ways to save on medical costs. There are obvious tips like talking to your doctor, but there are also some suggestions we have not considered for saving on medications!
  • • We like tip #5 about pill splitting - it's possible to decrease the cost of prescription medications if certain milligram amounts are cheaper. Meaning pay less for the 30mg pill and split in half if your prescribed dosage is 15mg. Worth looking into!!
    What Jen and Jill have to say:
  What the internet has to say:

BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com

Our Experience:

• • Preventative care that will actually save you money isn’t screenings. Check out this NY times article for more. 
  • Consider contributing to HSA’s to offset the downfall of Medicare; this article gives a great explanation on HSAs
  • Utilize Groupon for teeth cleanings, 
  • Mystery shop for teeth cleaning and eye exams through A Closer Look. 
  • Shop for contacts through Ebates
  • Acupuncture for preventative care; check out this article from the Penny Hoarder regarding the benefits!
  Jen
• • Know what’s an ‘emergency’ and what super glue can fix! For instance, my pinky tragedy while doing the dishes!
  Jill

BEFORE + AFTER pictures on the website - super glue for the win!

-Preventative care - drink apple cider vinegar everyday! Thanks Linda S

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It’s July and we’re in the throws of summer travel, so it's only fitting for us to talk about adventurous frugality! We covered saving on plane tickets in episode 7 so hopefully you already have that one figured out! In this episode we move on to discuss keeping costs low while on vacation. Here's to enjoying life without breaking the bank!

Sponsors:

• saying “no” - just do it
• podcastcrafter.com For all your podcasting needs! Check them out!

Notable Notes:

What the internet has to say

• This article from Nomadic Matt outlines 7 tips for saving cash on accommodations while traveling. Included in the list are home sharing options, hostels, and rewards programs. Moral of the story: there are more options than we would have originally thought!
• What Jen and Jill have to say: 
  • couchsurfing
  • sharing house space on airbnb
  • hostels
  • MONASTERIES!!!
• David Ning gives 50 (that right 50!) tips to save money on vacation. The article goes through categories different categories including saving on flights, food, car rental, transportation, currency, accommodation, shopping, travel alternatives, and other tips for budget travel. 
• What Jen and Jill have to say: 
  • plan your meals and don’t eat every meal out
  • you don’t need rental car insurance
  • do a cost analysis on staying outside of the city and getting a rental car/ commuting vs staying within
  • check your insurance and credit card policy.

 BILL OF THE WEEK- If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to call our Google Voicemail. Or email us a voice memo to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Our experience:

• Let's get philosophical: should you vacation while you’re in debt?
• If you’re going international get the schwab debit card.
• Rent and RV through sites like the following: 
  • https://rvshare.com/?semid=google.nb&placement=g&campid=945028445&adgid=45150523137&keyword=e.rent%20rv&copyid=229314280260&kwd-299503571948&device=t&camptype=search&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvezZBRDkARIsADKQyPkim1pnsSYACEKuYR8tEE8AGU-6kcNnbysjVsXlC2lmpdaZrWVphj7oaAme3EALw_wcB
  • https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/
•  OR invest in your vacation rather than throw money out the window - get creative! For example, purchase a trailer or RV, use it for your vacation, then sell it!

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In this episode we tackle a subject that is a bit beyond our expertise, BUT frugality can be applied to all areas of life; including cars!

We talk car maintenance, purchasing, and overall approach to vehicles that can reorient how we view transportation, while also exploring some ways to save money in the process!

We could tell you how to save on insurance or at the car lot but frugality isn’t just about saving money. It’s essentially about making fully informed purchases.

Notable Notes:

What the internet has to say:

• Kevin Mercadante Article;This Money Under 30 article looks at the true cost of car ownership and explores 6 major vehicle costs including: fuel, licensing/registration/taxes, insurance, maintenance/tires, finance charges, and depreciation.
  • What Jen and Jill have to say: 
    • Having a car longer versus trading in seems to be the better deal BUT buy used! (depreciation will get ya)
• Wisebread Article by Paul Michael dives into 8 easy DIY car repairs. Paul highlights a few vehicle maintenance jobs that could be done at home for those who want to expand their skills! 
  • What Jen and Jill have to say:
    • We love the problem solving/DIY approach!! There are some BOLD suggestions
    • Check out some simple car maintenance on youtube like this one: https://www.youtube.com/user/scottykilmer

BILL OF THE WEEK- Thanks Hannah from Souderton, PA for your awesome Bill of the Week!! We did not know this about duck bills!

frugalfriendspodcast.com/billIf you want to submit your bill of the week visit to call our Google Voicemail.

Our experience:

• If you are wondering "how much should I spend on a car?" check out this article which gives a great break-down!
  • https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-much-car-can-you-afford
  • Basically, 10-35% of annual income IN CASH should be spend on a car
• Buying quality used cars in cash has been the best system for us!

Sponsors: 

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