When it comes to spending money, there can be feelings of guilt and shame. Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani are on a mission to help us ditch that mindset and enjoy spending again.

In our interview together, the Authors of “Buy What You Love Without Going Broke” Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani explain how values-based spending helps us to live and spend freely.

Overview: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke w/ Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani

Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani review the following:

• Why there is a pressure to consume in our society
• The reasons it is okay to spend your money
• How the concept of values-based spending makes the process easier

Listen or Watch Here

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

Key Takeaways from Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani

Here are my top three takeaways from my conversation with Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani.

Recognize The Pressure of Consumerism Exists

It’s important for us to not just blindly stroll through life (or scroll through life for that matter) and not realize that there is real pressure to buy, consume, or upgrade our stuff. 

While there’s nothing wrong with buying or upgrading our stuff, it can become a problem when we overspend or buy things that don’t align with our values. 

So we need to recognize that this pressure exists, and as technology gets more sophisticated, the pressure is only going to increase. 

Take Time to Reflect on your Values

We can talk about the evil consumerism machine all day and all the things it’s keeping us from doing … but we first need to decide what we actually care about. 

This way, we know what it’s distracting us from! 

So take some time and decide what you care about most. For a lot of us as Jen and Jill said, it’s those 4 F’s – Family, Friends, Faith, and Fulfilling Work.

Are your purchases aligned with these areas? Is your overspending affecting your ability to fully enjoy these 4 F’s?

This is a great place to start … our list of the Best Budget Apps for Families can help here!

Allow Yourself to Spend Where It Matters

Once you discover what you care about most, allow yourself to spend in those areas and enjoy it!

Some people think frugality means deprivation. I disagree wholeheartedly.

Frugality means you are consciously spending according to your values. 

As an example, family dinner is important to me and I’m not the best cook so getting a dinner meal kit is me consciously spending on what I value most. 

I get more time with my family and I eat healthier. This is money well spent!

Guest Bio – Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani

Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni are co-hosts of the Frugal Friends Podcast, offering practical advice on frugality, intentional spending, and financial independence. Jen, a personal finance author, paid off $78,000 of debt in two years and has been featured in Forbes and Money Magazine.

Jill, a licensed clinical social worker, cleared $60,000 of debt while combining her mental health expertise with personal finance strategies. Together, they wrote Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, helping others align spending with their values.

Their book “Buy What You Love Without Going Broke” is available now.

Carpe Diem Quote:

“You can afford anything, but not everything.”

Paula Pant

What do you think of our discussion with Jen Smith and Jill Sirriani? What steps are you taking to buy what you love without going broke?

Please let us know in the comments below.