Frugal Friends Podcast
Frugal Friends Podcast
Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni | Backyard Ventures
Reviews
via Podcasts
Ramsey Revoked
I found Jen and Jill in February 2025 after being SO frustrated with Christian financial advice (eg Ramsey). After listening regularly, I happily stuck to my new spending plan. Which is a major feat because I HATED traditional budgets. We paid off $7,000 in credit card bills in 5 months. Jen and Jill, y’all are heaven sent. This message is so freeing and powerful. So grateful for your friendship and fun information! THANK YOU!
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Mom of 3 full time
Frugal IS fun!
Just recently started listening, and I feel like I’ve found my people! I appreciate the combo of smart and funny that Jen and Jill bring to the frugal living space. The concept of the radical middle is life-changing!! My favorite part of each episode is the “brought to you by…” So clever!
Bananarama256
Frugal Millionaire
Even if I was a seven-figure social media influencer or my retirement savings plan has potential to make me at least a millionaire, I would still consider Jen and Jill’s financial content relevant and applicable.
Sara-Regina
Medical Bills episode
This episode was phenomenal! I saved it in my notes app for the future. Thank you!
prof hhb
Usually like
I usually really like this podcast. But this weeks episode about propaganda was really frustrating. The way they talk about no women being satisfied to be homemakers or stay at home moms was not great. “We all need something to put our hands to and purpose in our lives” raising a family and taking care of a home is a purposeful life for some women. We can all live how we like and feel differently about this, I just didn’t appreciate how you could really feel their disdain for women who choose to not work outside the home, and their sweeping generalizations that all women need more than being a homemaker. Just not true! I will keep listening bc like I said I usually enjoy listening!
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lbeggs4
Worth your time!
This podcast is timely and full of great tips and ideas! And the girls are entertaining and encouraging! For sure worth your time!
EmeraldBlue88
Great financial podcast!
I’ve listened to this podcast off and on since 2020, and I love it! I’m definitely not a “finance person” and I still get little helpful nuggets of info from each episode. I love how they break things down and give realistic tips on how to save money in different areas of life! My favorite episodes are the meal planning & grocery episodes! Thanks so much for all you do, ladies!! ❤️
ampowell524
New listener, here to stay
I came across this podcast in the last month and couldn’t believe I’d never seen it before. Not every episode topic is for me, but I have enjoyed working through many older episodes - the conversations are helping me shift my thinking about money and spending for the better and I have felt a positive mindset and mood boost lately by making small changes. Loving the Sunday series on YouTube as well.
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Lisa 475
Love but a little disappointed
I have been listening to this show for years! I go through times of listening a lot, and times of listening a little. I find two episodes a week is too much for me personally. And I’m really disappointed to hear that they will be using AI now for money saving ideas for their episodes. Let’s keep using our brains people! Also I get that this is how they make money but the number of ads is crazy. You can skip the whole first 4-5 mins of each episode
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h193747
Love the podcast
I LOVE this podcast! It is inspiring but practical! This is helping me with my finances and enriching my life! Thanks Jen and Jill!
SharleneRich
Funny Frugal Friends
I’m a 70 yr old retired female and I Love your podcast. Your ideas have given me a new perspective on money. I thank you so for many hours of enjoyable listening.
Jj6815
One of the top enjoyable moments of my week.
I have been listening to Jen & Jill for several years now. I feel each show is like catching up with friends. Their advice & topics a have made me look at my spending, thinking about what is importance to me, and help break the cycle of feeling like I need “all the new things”. I have given myself permission to buy higher quality items, instead of replacing cheaper items every few years. The book they released…. Is absolutely helpful without being preachy. I have the hard copy, but also purchased the audiobook, because I enjoy listening them. Please keep up the awesome work. Love you both!!
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icusnoopy
Good content, too much promotion
Good content in this podcast but lots and lots of ads and promotions. Skip the first five to ten minutes to get to the actual content
PodcastFan247
Carrabbas
I have been listening to this podcast for 3 years now. This podcast has given me everything from laughter to genuine moments of contemplation. While it is a financial podcast it has allowed me to have space in which I can have moments of reflection without judgement. I can always count on this podcast to bring joy on a rough moment in life. But most importantly I have become extremely curious to try a Carrabas.
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Caffeneited Girl
Stops # of ads
Long time listener. Seriously, the number of ads and commercials are getting out of hand.
WoolSkirts
So Inspiring!
I found this podcast in 2022 because I was looking for ways to save money and cut expenses. I listed to a couple of current episodes, then went back and binged the entire podcast from episode 1. I listen to it so much that my husband now recognizes Jen and Jill’s voices and loves to refer to them as MY frugal friends. These ladies talk about finances for every day people, which is refreshing because most personal finance podcasts focus on high net worth, large portfolio people. They inspired me to become a CFP, and we finally have a handle on our finances through putting values based spending into practice. Jen and Jill have changed not only my life, but the life of my family as well. Thank you ladies!
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Jennifer Careaga
Confused
This is a podcast about how to live frugally but you are slammed with tons of ads trying to sell you stuff??? Not for me.
Tdtlt
Good intentions but poor execution
I have not listened the podcast directly. I have listened to Jen & Jill in four or five other shows as guests. After the first one I subscribed to the friendsletter and I’ve been reading it for 6-8 months. What I notice immediately in every single newsletter is a list of recommendations to buy something! I mean… you can’t be frugal this way. Omg. The reason for the two-star rating is because they also include tips for saving. Otherwise zero… or one. I understand Jen & Jill are running a business and have to make money. But seriously, the 1/31/25 newsletter is the start of the February NSC. Guess what? There are seven recommendations to spend big. Omg again. Please don’t feel offended. You can do better. Thanks for the effort though.
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Ramon_fr_TX
The Amount of Ads is Insane
I was looking forward to this podcast and the content, but you should be warned that you’re going to waste SO much time just fast forwarding through the ads. I’m not including their plugs that are in addition to that. For example their “Budget Better Bonus Series l Step 1: Look Into the Past” episode is 27:40. Of that time, the ad time is about 8.5 minutes. That’s wild. I also didn’t appreciate or find it necessary that they said they think of feminists as being “abrasive” in the intro of their “Money Lies Women Believe” episode.
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V t o r I
Informative and fun
I learn something new each time I listen and the show keeps me on track!
SBracho
Practical & Encouraging
Frugal Friends! Every episode is full of helpful tips and realistic advice that make managing money feel doable, not overwhelming. The hosts are honest and relatable, and I always leave feeling inspired to take better control of my finances. It’s a great listen for anyone who wants to save more, spend smarter, or just feel more confident with money.”
Podcast Lover For Life2
Learning so much
Thank you for teaching me so much for helping me learn more about being frugal, saving money and adding in your humor, love your podcast so much!
Kristy Barr
My favorite frugal show!
My mom and dad (Bill) raised my brother (Bill) and I to be frugal, so I wasn’t sure I would learn a lot from frugal friends, but shockingly, I haves learned SO Much! My nephew (wanna guess his name?) can’t listen to podcasts because he has a dumb phone, so I’m grateful to be able to share knowledge from your show with him. Thank you both so much. PS: I finally pre-ordered the book. I am not a reader but I have a little free library and I recently discovered that there is also a little free library inside IKEA! I can’t wait to share the book with someone who hasn’t heard of the show (yet.)
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RoseEtheNotary
SO many ads!
I really want to love this podcast because I think that there’s good content but the amount of ads is really off putting, especially as someone trying to save money.
Alli0619
Too many ads
SOOO many ads!! One episode had a solid 4 minutes of ads before the episode even started, followed by another set of ads less than 5 minutes into the actual episode.
Janetplanet20
Simply the best!!
I LOVE Jen and Jill!! This is literally the only podcast I listen to every episode. As a female, finances has always felt overwhelming and left me lost. Until Frugal Friends. Jen and Jill make me feel like I am not behind, I am not making mistakes, I am actually learned and evolving with my seasons of life. Their advice is tangible and their delivery is so authentic. The way they share their personalities as well is just the cherry on top. I really appreciate you ladies and frugal friends so much.
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theamandamurphy
Love this!
I just discovered this show and really enjoy it. Being and trying to be frugal can feel lonely and this podcast makes it feel less so. Ps: I don’t own a mini- van but secretly wish I did
MaydaFarm
Psychology and the why
New listener. I really really love the dig into why we do or are drawn. The cultural pushes, historical restrictions, female exploitation, childhood trauma— more than just tips and tricks to live frugally.
Cherbear42
Enjoyable and informative
Started listening after hearing Liz from Liz gets Loaded recommend this podcast. Easy to listen to and very relatable. Lots of great ideas to incorporate saving into your life.
cen1237
From Sounds like a Cult to joining this not cult
I heard Frugal Friends on sounds like a cult and immediately went to listen to all the episodes I could. Listening to their episode with Cait Flanders has empowered me to start a 52-week no spend project that I’m doing with empathy and compassion and is a stark difference from the finance industry’s finance bro HUSTLE CULTURE toxicity. Jill and Jen are like two encouraging pals who support you on the rough journey of paying off debt and reducing consumption. Thank you both for what you bring into the world. We need more women in finance and you are a beacon of hope that we can get there in my lifetime. You rule!
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Rogaecia
Christmas Episode
We need more realism on the Christmas episode. It was an episode full of don’t buys and not realistic. Gingerbread kits? $10 at target you can get for all of your kids to get to decorate. I get not spending to save for the future. Traditions are fun don’t be a downer on all of them.
bbot0955
Real Fun For Real People!
This podcast is real fun, real helpful, real interesting, real information for real people! Always makes me smile when it pops up on What’s Next in my player. Lots of great advice to think about and learn from. Highly recommend!
KathyDebby
Great Podcast!
I have never been a podcast girlie but I listen to frugal friends every day that I work from the office. I listen to one episode on my way in and one episode on my way home. This podcast has given me a bunch of tips and tricks on how to be a better adult all around. I appreciate that consistently listening to this podcast has helped me stay true to my goals and make progress more quickly. I have always been a consumer and changing the mindset to values based spending is hard, but Jen and Jill make it a lot easier! Thank you for all that you do and the information that you are putting out into the world.
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BrittyKay!
Gets better every week
I started this podcast in the middle right after hearing Jill on 3 in 30 and I just kind of skipped around with episodes that interested me. I forget which episode but one of them had them saying whatever you do don’t go back to the beginning and listen in order so of course I had to do exactly that. This podcast started out great and got even better with age. So many action items and tips (“mindset” stuff annoys me). Absolutely love all the grocery and investment episodes. Love you ladies and your work!
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Sonja6192
Delayed Gratification
Delayed gratification is a great answer to the question of, “what is a simple money lesson every child should learn?”! You both asked Andy such wonderful questions and allowed him plenty of time and space to share incredibly insightful answers! As a mama to 3 littles that are 3 and younger, this was such an encouraging message to remind me that I can start teaching them how to use money wisely NOW, simply by inviting them into life with me!
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paigeamberbacani
Listening to the backlog brings learning and laughs
I have been catching up on older episodes of this show and am learning a lot!! I always listen all the way through to the end of show chat because I am here as much for entertainment as I am for frugal mindset shifts. Today I was on the romance scams episode (380), and while the episode content was kind of scary and sad, the end of show chat about the Super Bowl and listening to Jen & Jill make really vague guesses about Taylor and Travis was hilarious. I feel like I’ve never not known most of the details of their relationship even though I’m not really a Swiftie or a Chiefs fan, and hearing two people who were so under-informed about them was super refreshing. Thanks for being willing to just make guesses about random pop culture and for your lovely friendly interactions. You two are a pleasure to listen to (but I will admit the first episode when I heard Jill’s scary lightning round voice, I was genuinely startled).
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Sewingbuttons
Say No to Impulse Buys!
Loved this episode! You girls were spot on about combating impulse buying with hobbies . I use to be a shopaholic, but hobbies have now taken over the shop til' you drop urge. Currently filling that shopping void .....Calligraphy, embroidery, adult coloring, puzzles, scrabble, baking, juicing, journaling, weight lifting, Hoopla ...all done with bare minimal supplies and self-taught thanks to ...IG, YouTube, and Tik Tok! So looking forward to your upcoming book!!!
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M in Florida
Lack of preparation, preliminary research or fundamental knowledge
I was shocked to listen to a podcast reviewing finance books where…neither of the podcasters had even read the books they were discussing? Like what’s even the point? I may as well read a buzz feed article at that point. They also had an episode critiquing / criticizing Marie Kondo’s book and method despite not having read the book, then in a later episode admitted they were wrong and hadn’t understood the concept because they…had not actually read the book. What is the point of tuning in to a podcast to listen to speaker hypothesize about a topic where they haven’t done the most basic level of effort and research? I’ve started listening to another podcast called Money Feels, it has a similar vibe with 2 female hosts and female-focused finance topics, but the 2 hosts seem to actually know what they are talking about and at least in the episodes I’ve listened to have actually read or researched the materials they are critiquing.
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Nic L 123
Hands down my favorite podcast!
If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would be binging a podcast on finances, saving and frugality, I would have laughed in your face. But here we are, enjoying every episode, taking notes on all the juicy info (nerd alert nerd alert nerd alert!), and humming the “Bill of the Week” jingle as I’m doing housework. Jenn and Jill have excellent content and even better delivery! I’ve only been listening for a couple of months, after they were guests on another podcast I listen to (Hi, Jess Massey from Hustle Sanely!) and I’ve been binging ever since. And yes, I’ve pre-ordered their book as well and counting the days until I can dive into that! Thank you for spreading the frugal gospel with fun and positivity , providing great resources, validating good habits, and celebrating all the milestones along the way. This podcast is a game changer!
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RunninJess
The best
Love Jen and Jill !’ The best financial podcast ever! Thank you girls for your hard work Love Jennifer
ahkwjx
Great conversations
Came from the episode on Sounds Like a Cult to remind you gals that you are doing great work, offering sound advice & keeping it real when it comes to personal finance, spending and living in alignment with your values & more. 👏🏻
Tracy Bingaman, PA-C
Magical over thinker
❤️❤️❤️
Henball
New listener and I love it
Came from sounds like a cult and I love this show now! The energy is amazing! The perspective and topics are great too! I listen on 1.5 speed makes the ad break shorter ; )
your biggest fan 3
Good tips here and there
This is a decent podcast. The hosts are quite enjoyable and very well spoken. They do so well at not talking over each other (which is in a struggle on most duo podcasts). It’s very basic frugality (meal planning, tracking spending, etc) - not many new ideas. But it’s a good reminder for things you probably already know, or good for someone new to frugality. However- I cannot skip forward fast enough when the bill of the week intro comes on. Sometimes at that point I just skip all the way through the end. It seems oddly placed- I assume it’s at the end of the episode, but there will be 20 minutes left, and it seems like it goes back to the topic or other topics? Today they did the conclusion to the episode, gave producer credits, played the outgoing music, but then started talking again for several minutes.
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Vjtv1649
Marketplace insurance
You guys said open enrollment goes to Dec 15 but isn’t it Jan 15?
cclbtc
Phenomenal Friends
Love this podcast. It is like listening to two nonjudgmental friends talk about frugality and all things money. I work at 3am from home and this podcast keeps me awake in the early mornings when the rest of the world is asleep and makes me feel less alone. Thank you for all that you both do!
Snickler04
Worst investing podcast ever
Better off listening to the Money Guy or other investing podcasts. The friends don’t know their information and share incorrect information. Go elsewhere for investing podcasts and ignore any financial advice the friends offer
B OL
New listener
I am a new listener, I started listening after you guys were on The Minimal Mom’s podcast. I really enjoy both of the hosts personalities and the way they make finance interesting regular people. I am planning on listening to all the episodes!
Volleyballer jordan
Gentle guidance instead of “finance shouting”
This podcast is the perfect chaser after an intense listen to other financial advice podcasts that tend to be prescriptive and intense. I listen to this weekly to help me keep a steady pace towards my goals. As someone who has used shopping to cure boredom, this is almost like a daily vitamin that boosts my resolve to stay true to what I value and resist spending that doesn’t serve me. A great companion in addition to shows like Choose FI and Money Guy!
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Daapnie
Made my day 10% more special
Listening to this is inspiring. You are fun loving and a great way to start my day!
MyYelpName
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