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.