10 Best Frugal Podcasts That’ll Actually Help You Save Money

Let me guess. You’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck, constantly wondering where all your money went, right? I’ve been there, and honestly, one of the smartest moves I made was filling my commute time with podcasts that actually taught me how to stop hemorrhaging cash.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to hire some expensive financial advisor to get your money situation under control. Some of the best frugal podcasts out there are completely free and packed with actionable advice that you can start using today.

I’m talking real strategies from people who’ve walked the walk, not just theory from folks who’ve never had to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the 10 best frugal podcasts that have genuinely helped thousands of people (including yours truly) level up their savings game.

Whether you’re drowning in debt, trying to build an emergency fund, or just want to stop feeling guilty every time you check your bank account, there’s a show here for you.

What Makes a Frugal Podcast Worth Your Time?

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about what separates the good from the garbage. Not all money podcasts are created equal, and honestly? Some are just recycled advice you could find on any basic finance blog.

The best frugal podcasts share a few key characteristics.

First, they’re hosted by people who actually practice what they preach. I’m not interested in listening to someone lecture me about saving money while they’re dropping $200 on brunch every weekend.

Second, they offer specific, actionable tips rather than vague platitudes like “spend less, save more.” Like, duh. Tell me HOW.

Third, and this is huge, they understand that frugality isn’t about deprivation. It’s about intentional spending so you can afford the life you actually want. The podcasts on this list get that balance right.

Where Can You Listen to These Frugal Podcasts?

Quick logistics before we dive in. You can find pretty much all of these shows on the big podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and most other podcast apps. Both Apple Podcasts and Spotify are free to download and use, so there’s literally no barrier to entry here.

I personally use Spotify because I already have it for music, but Apple Podcasts has a slightly cleaner interface if that matters to you. Either way, you can listen while commuting, doing dishes, working out, or pretending to work from home. 🙂

Why Should You Even Bother Listening to Frugal Podcasts?

Fair question. You’re busy, I get it. But hear me out because the benefits of investing 30 minutes a week in a good frugal podcast are actually pretty substantial.

They Help You Retire Way Earlier Than You Think

Ever run the numbers on when you can actually retire? It’s probably depressing, right? Here’s the reality: the more aggressively you save now, the earlier you can tell your boss to take a hike.

Let’s say you’re currently spending $5,000 a month. If you can cut that down to $3,500 through smart frugal living, you’re saving an extra $18,000 per year. Invested properly with compound interest, that could shave years off your working life. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?

Plus, when you live more frugally, you don’t need as massive of a retirement nest egg. If you can comfortably live on $3,500 monthly in retirement instead of $5,000, you need roughly $600,000 less saved up (using the 4% rule). That’s not pocket change.

You’ll Finally Feel Content With What You Have

This might sound cheesy, but it’s real. One of the biggest things I learned from the best frugal podcasts is that contentment is a superpower. When you stop comparing yourself to your neighbors, coworkers, or Instagram influencers, life gets so much easier.

Your colleague buys a brand new $60,000 SUV? Cool for them. You’re perfectly happy with your reliable 10-year-old sedan that’s paid off. That mindset shift alone can save you from decades of unnecessary debt and financial stress.

Financial contentment doesn’t mean you never want nice things. It means you’re intentional about what you spend on and you don’t feel pressured to keep up with everyone else’s spending habits.

Your Savings Account Will Actually Grow

This one’s obvious but worth stating: when you spend less, you save more. Revolutionary, I know. But the best frugal podcasts don’t just tell you to “save more.” They give you specific strategies for cutting costs in ways that don’t make you feel like you’re living in a cardboard box.

Maybe you learn how to meal prep effectively and cut your food budget by $300 a month. Or you discover a strategy for negotiating your bills that saves you $100 monthly. Over a year, that’s $4,800 you didn’t have before. Over a decade? We’re talking serious money that can fund investments, vacations, or whatever matters to you.

You’ll Stress About Money Way Less

Real talk: financial stress is one of the worst kinds of stress. That pit-in-your-stomach feeling when you check your bank account and see $47 with five days until payday? Yeah, frugal living helps you avoid that nightmare.

When you’re spending less than you earn and building up savings, you create a buffer between you and financial disaster. Car breaks down? Annoying, but not catastrophic. Unexpected medical bill? You’ve got it covered. That peace of mind is legitimately priceless.

Your Net Worth Will Start Climbing

Here’s something most people don’t think about: every dollar you don’t spend is a dollar that can work for you. Let’s say you implement strategies from these podcasts and save an extra $200 monthly. If you invest that in a solid index fund averaging 8% annual returns, you’ll have over $29,000 in ten years.

That’s not even accounting for any raises, bonuses, or other income increases you might have during that time. The compound effect of consistent saving and investing is honestly wild when you actually run the numbers.

You Can Be More Generous

Contrary to what some people think, being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap or stingy. In fact, when you’re in control of your finances, you’re in a better position to help others.

Got a friend going through a tough time? You can actually afford to help them out. Want to donate to causes you care about? You’ve got the financial margin to do it. Frugality creates space for generosity, which honestly feels way better than blowing money on stuff you don’t need.

You Can Handle Financial Curveballs

Life loves throwing curveballs. Job loss, medical emergencies, global pandemics (looking at you, 2020). When you’ve built up savings and reduced your expenses through frugal living, you’re way more resilient when stuff hits the fan.

I saw this firsthand during COVID. People who’d been living frugally and building emergency funds were stressed but okay. People who’d been spending every penny (or more) were in full panic mode. The difference in stress levels was night and day.

10 Best Frugal Podcasts To Skyrocket Your Savings

Alright, enough preamble. Let’s get to the good stuff. Here are the 10 best frugal podcasts that’ll actually help you save money, ranked in no particular order because they’re all solid in different ways.

1. Frugal Living With Jim Markus

Jim Markus is basically the godfather of frugal living podcasts. This guy has been helping people get their financial lives together for years, and his approach is refreshingly practical.

What I love about Jim’s show is that he interviews real people who’ve successfully implemented frugal strategies. These aren’t trust fund kids pretending to understand financial struggle. They’re regular folks who figured out how to live well on less and are willing to share exactly how they did it.

Episodes typically run about 15-20 minutes, which is perfect if you’ve got a short commute or you’re just looking for quick hits of financial wisdom. Jim also shares personal stories that make the advice feel way more relatable than some sterile financial lecture.

Best for: People who want practical, no-nonsense advice from someone who’s been in the trenches.

Listen here: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast platforms.

2. How To Money

If you want a podcast that’s both informative and genuinely entertaining, How To Money is your jam. Hosted by best friends Joel and Matt, this show manages to make personal finance actually fun, which is no small feat.

These guys cover everything from how to look expensive on a budget to meal planning strategies that’ll save you hundreds monthly. Episodes can run up to an hour, but they’re so engaging that the time flies. Their chemistry is great, and they’re not afraid to share their own money mistakes, which makes them super relatable.

What sets How To Money apart is the depth they go into. They don’t just say “save money on groceries.” They’ll break down specific shopping strategies, tell you which apps to use, and give you a realistic meal plan you can actually follow.

Best for: People who want comprehensive information delivered in an entertaining format.

Listen here: Available on all major podcast platforms.

3. 2 Frugal Dudes

Kevin Griffin and Sean Merron call themselves “frugal evangelists,” and honestly, that’s pretty accurate. These guys are laser-focused on frugality and don’t waste time on tangential topics.

What I appreciate about 2 Frugal Dudes is their honesty about past mistakes. They’ll straight-up tell you about the dumb financial decisions they made and what they learned. That vulnerability makes their advice hit different because you know they’re not just theorizing.

They also tackle timely issues like inflation and how to maintain a frugal lifestyle when prices are skyrocketing. Occasionally they’ll branch into related topics like budgeting, paying off student loans, or planning for early retirement, but frugality remains the core focus.

Best for: People who want a podcast that stays focused on frugal living without getting sidetracked.

Listen to 2 Frugal Dudes here.

4. Frugal Friends

With over 250 episodes under their belt, Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni have pretty much covered every angle of frugal living imaginable. Each episode typically focuses on one specific area where you can save money.

I love their approach because it’s so actionable. One episode might teach you how to save on health insurance, another might explain Buy Nothing Groups (which are honestly amazing if you haven’t discovered them yet). You can literally pick an episode based on what area of your budget needs work.

The hosts have great energy and make the content accessible even if you’re totally new to frugal living. They’re not talking down to you or making you feel bad about past financial decisions. It’s more like getting advice from supportive friends who genuinely want you to succeed.

Best for: People who want specific, targeted advice for different areas of their budget.

Listen to Frugal Friends Podcast here.

5. ChooseFI Podcast

ChooseFI takes a broader approach to financial independence, but frugality is a huge component of their strategy. This podcast dives deep into crushing debt, reducing expenses, and building passive income through real estate and online businesses.

Episodes are meaty, usually running about an hour, and they’re packed with actionable strategies. These aren’t surface-level tips. They’re comprehensive game plans that you can actually implement to transform your financial situation.

What I appreciate about ChooseFI is that they understand financial independence isn’t just about penny-pinching. It’s about optimizing your entire financial life so you can eventually work because you want to, not because you have to.

Best for: People serious about achieving financial independence and willing to put in the work.

Listen to ChooseFI Podcast here.

6. Maple Money Show

The Maple Money Show is based in Canada but offers advice that’s relevant pretty much anywhere. Hosted by Tom Drake, this podcast takes a monthly approach, publishing one comprehensive episode per month that averages about 30-35 minutes.

The monthly format might seem infrequent, but each episode is so packed with practical information that you’ll have plenty to implement before the next one drops. Tom covers everything from saving strategies to investment basics, all with a focus on helping you build a better financial situation.

The Canadian perspective is actually refreshing if you’re used to U.S.-centric financial advice. While some specifics differ (like tax strategies), the core principles of frugal living translate perfectly across borders.

Best for: People who prefer deeper, less frequent content they can really digest.

Listen to Maple Money Show here.

8. Couple Money Podcast

Managing money as a couple is a whole different ballgame, and Couple Money Podcast gets that. This show has been helping couples navigate their finances together since 2014.

Episodes cover topics that couples actually argue about: how to save for shared goals, how to pay off debt as a team, how to plan for retirement when you have different priorities. The advice is practical and acknowledges that two people rarely have identical money mindsets.

With monthly episodes averaging about 17 minutes, it’s easy to listen together (or separately and then discuss). The show helps couples get on the same page financially, which honestly can save relationships, not just money.

Best for: Couples who want to improve their financial situation together.

Listen to Couple Money Podcast here.

9. The Frugal Family Home Podcast

Shelly Olson’s podcast is perfect if you’re trying to implement frugal living strategies within a family context. Let’s be real: living frugally gets more complicated when you’ve got kids, a spouse, and a household to manage.

The Frugal Family Home focuses on practical, family-friendly strategies like meal planning, DIY projects, and reducing household expenses without making everyone miserable. Shelly understands that frugality with a family means finding balance between saving money and maintaining quality of life.

Her advice is realistic and acknowledges that you can’t just slash every expense when you’ve got kids who need stuff. It’s about smart choices, not deprivation.

Best for: Families looking to reduce expenses without sacrificing too much.

Listen to The Frugal Family Home Podcast here.

10. Afford Anything

Paula Pant’s Afford Anything operates on a simple but powerful premise: you can afford anything, but not everything. This mindset shift is honestly game-changing when it comes to frugal living.

Since 2016, Paula has been interviewing millionaire investors, productivity experts, early retirees, and other successful people to extract their wisdom about money and life. The show isn’t just about cutting expenses. It’s about making intentional choices so you can afford what truly matters to you.

Episodes are well-produced and genuinely interesting. Paula’s interviewing skills are top-notch, and she asks the questions you’re actually wondering about. The show helps you think bigger picture about your financial life rather than just obsessing over every penny.

Best for: People who want to think strategically about their entire financial life, not just cut costs.

Listen to Afford Anything here.

How to Actually Use These Podcasts to Save Money

Alright, so you’ve got this list of amazing podcasts. Now what? Here’s the thing: just listening isn’t enough. You’ve got to actually implement what you learn, or you’re just entertaining yourself with financial advice.

Here’s my suggestion: pick one or two podcasts from this list and commit to them for a month. Listen to at least one episode per week. After each episode, write down one specific action you’re going to take based on what you learned.

Maybe you heard about a budgeting app that sounds useful. Download it and set it up. Maybe there was a tip about negotiating your cable bill. Make the call this week. The key is turning information into action.

Create a Podcast Routine

The best way to make podcast listening a habit is to attach it to something you already do. Listen during your commute, while making dinner, during your morning workout, or while doing household chores.

I personally listen while doing dishes and meal prep. It makes those boring tasks way more enjoyable, and I’m learning something useful instead of just zoning out. Find what works for your schedule and stick with it.

Take Notes (Seriously)

I know, I know. Taking notes sounds like homework. But trust me on this. When you hear a great tip or strategy, jot it down. Use your phone’s notes app, a physical notebook, whatever works.

Without notes, you’ll forget 90% of what you hear within a week. With notes, you’ve got a personalized action plan based on the best advice from multiple episodes. It’s worth the extra effort.

Join the Community

Many of these podcasts have Facebook groups, subreddits, or other online communities where listeners connect. Join them. Ask questions, share your wins, learn from others who are on the same journey.

There’s something powerful about being part of a community that shares your financial goals. It keeps you motivated and accountable, plus you’ll pick up bonus tips that don’t even make it into the podcast episodes.

Common Mistakes People Make With Frugal Living (That These Podcasts Will Help You Avoid)

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about some common pitfalls that trip people up when they’re trying to live more frugally. The best frugal podcasts will help you avoid these, but it’s worth highlighting them specifically.

Confusing Frugality With Deprivation

Being frugal doesn’t mean you never spend money on anything fun. That’s called being miserable, and it’s not sustainable. Frugality is about intentional spending on things that genuinely add value to your life while cutting ruthlessly on stuff that doesn’t.

Love your daily coffee shop visit because it’s your morning ritual? Keep it. Spending $200 monthly on a gym membership you use twice? That’s what needs to go. The podcasts on this list will help you figure out what’s worth spending on and what’s just draining your wallet.

Trying to Change Everything at Once

When people get excited about frugal living, they often try to overhaul their entire life overnight. They slash every expense, start extreme couponing, and basically make themselves miserable within two weeks.

Sustainable change happens gradually. Pick one or two areas of your budget to tackle first. Master those, then move on to the next. The best frugal podcasts emphasize this incremental approach because it actually works long-term.

Ignoring the Big Expenses

Some people obsess over saving $3 on groceries while ignoring the fact that they’re spending $800 monthly on a car payment they can’t really afford. Focus on the big stuff first: housing, transportation, food.

Cutting your housing cost by $200 monthly has way more impact than clipping coupons for hours. Many of the podcasts on this list will help you prioritize where to focus your frugal efforts for maximum impact.

Not Tracking Your Progress

If you’re not measuring, you’re just guessing. Track your spending, your savings rate, your net worth. Watching these numbers improve is incredibly motivating and helps you see that your efforts are actually working.

Most of the best frugal podcasts recommend specific apps and tools for tracking. Use them. The data will keep you honest and show you where you still have room for improvement.

What’s the Actual Best Podcast for Frugal Living?

Okay, if I had to pick just one podcast from this list, which would it be? Honestly, it depends on your situation.

If you’re just starting out and want comprehensive, entertaining advice, go with How To Money. If you want laser-focused frugality tips, try 2 Frugal Dudes. If you’re dealing with debt, Debt Free Guys is your best bet.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to pick just one. Mix and match based on what you need right now. Maybe start with one or two, see what resonates, then add others as you go. They’re all free, so there’s no downside to experimenting.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’m not going to lie to you and say that listening to podcasts will magically fix your finances. You’ve still got to do the work. But here’s what I know from experience: the right information makes that work so much easier.

The best frugal podcasts give you strategies you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. They keep you motivated when you’re tempted to give up. They remind you that financial freedom is actually possible, not just some fantasy for rich people.

You’re literally investing zero dollars and maybe 30 minutes a week. The potential return on that investment? Thousands of dollars saved, years shaved off your debt payoff, maybe even early retirement. That’s a pretty solid ROI if you ask me.

So pick a podcast from this list. Download a few episodes. Listen to one this week. Take notes. Implement one thing you learn. Then do it again next week. Small, consistent actions compound into massive results over time.

Your future self, the one who’s financially secure and not stressed about money, will thank you for starting today. Trust me on this one.