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Buy What You Love Without Going Broke: Transform Your Spending and Get More of What Money Can’t Buy—An Empowering Personal Finance Guide with a Mindful ... Plan, Take Control of Your Finances Today!
A relatable personal finance guide that gives a fresh take on how to control your impulse spending so you can stick to a budget and pay off debt, without the guilt and shame of traditional financial advice—from the hosts of the beloved Frugal Friends podcast.
There’s a lot of noise out there about how to spend (and not spend) your hard-earned money. But what if you made financial decisions based on what you value—instead of what others are telling you to value?
This is the empowering approach Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast, want you to take to improve your spending habits. They believe you can value anything (yes, anything!), whether that’s a daily latte, fancy dinners out, or vacations. But, despite what social media is saying, you don’t value everything.
The Frugal Friends’ wisdom comes from personal Jen paid off $78,000 of debt in two years without a six-figure income, while Jill has a background in social work and downsized to an RV to pay off student loans. Together, their advice is both relatable and actionable.
In their debut book, they share a plan for sifting through what’s not important to find the things you truly love spending money on. You’ll learn how to
Analyze your current spending and identify what you valuePrioritize your values when you can’t afford everythingIdentify the root causes of your impulse spendingMake your habit changes stick long-termFrom credit card and student loan debt to the rising costs of childcare and homes; it has never been more important to get control of your spending. Jen and Jill show you how to do it in a way that’s healthy, not shameful, while exploring topics like overconsumption, self-worth, and the insidious history behind our consumption-obsessed culture.
If you want to reach your goals and feel good about your finances, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke offers a holistic approach to reshape the way you think about spending money.
There’s a lot of noise out there about how to spend (and not spend) your hard-earned money. But what if you made financial decisions based on what you value—instead of what others are telling you to value?
This is the empowering approach Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast, want you to take to improve your spending habits. They believe you can value anything (yes, anything!), whether that’s a daily latte, fancy dinners out, or vacations. But, despite what social media is saying, you don’t value everything.
The Frugal Friends’ wisdom comes from personal Jen paid off $78,000 of debt in two years without a six-figure income, while Jill has a background in social work and downsized to an RV to pay off student loans. Together, their advice is both relatable and actionable.
In their debut book, they share a plan for sifting through what’s not important to find the things you truly love spending money on. You’ll learn how to
Analyze your current spending and identify what you valuePrioritize your values when you can’t afford everythingIdentify the root causes of your impulse spendingMake your habit changes stick long-termFrom credit card and student loan debt to the rising costs of childcare and homes; it has never been more important to get control of your spending. Jen and Jill show you how to do it in a way that’s healthy, not shameful, while exploring topics like overconsumption, self-worth, and the insidious history behind our consumption-obsessed culture.
If you want to reach your goals and feel good about your finances, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke offers a holistic approach to reshape the way you think about spending money.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
194 people are currently reading
4143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
January 8, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you had asked me if the world needed another personal finance book, I'd probably tell you, I think all that can be written has been written...and then Jen and Jill come on the scene with this standout book. Standout book, you say? Yes. So many personal finance books skip over tiny little details such as emotions and habits. Can we collectively applaud the fact they didn't start the book off by saying you need to have a budget to have better personal finances? That's great. That is sound advice, but it doesn't solve the problem of how we got to crappy finances. I love everything about this book. I love the setup and structure of explaining marketing tactics, understanding what kind of spender you are, and how to do a 90-day transaction inventory to create a better budget. And most important of all, I love that they say debt is neutral. I feel like so many personal finance books make you feel bad about yourself because of the choices you made with zero context of the season of life you were in during those purchases. Having a book that breaks down all of the nuances of personal finances with no shame or guilt is so refreshing. Emphasizing and explaining values-based spending should be required in education. And don't get me started on the trash can theory at Target they mention, you have to read the book yourself to have that ah-ha moment.
While I received an ARC, I have also purchased a final copy, that's how much I think this book rocks. 5/5 stars. I love the content, structure, the jokes (not too many, and just the right amount), and I love how it made me feel about my own values-based spending and personal finance journey.
If you had asked me if the world needed another personal finance book, I'd probably tell you, I think all that can be written has been written...and then Jen and Jill come on the scene with this standout book. Standout book, you say? Yes. So many personal finance books skip over tiny little details such as emotions and habits. Can we collectively applaud the fact they didn't start the book off by saying you need to have a budget to have better personal finances? That's great. That is sound advice, but it doesn't solve the problem of how we got to crappy finances. I love everything about this book. I love the setup and structure of explaining marketing tactics, understanding what kind of spender you are, and how to do a 90-day transaction inventory to create a better budget. And most important of all, I love that they say debt is neutral. I feel like so many personal finance books make you feel bad about yourself because of the choices you made with zero context of the season of life you were in during those purchases. Having a book that breaks down all of the nuances of personal finances with no shame or guilt is so refreshing. Emphasizing and explaining values-based spending should be required in education. And don't get me started on the trash can theory at Target they mention, you have to read the book yourself to have that ah-ha moment.
While I received an ARC, I have also purchased a final copy, that's how much I think this book rocks. 5/5 stars. I love the content, structure, the jokes (not too many, and just the right amount), and I love how it made me feel about my own values-based spending and personal finance journey.
April 10, 2025
This book didn't really say anything of value.
The core message was to spend on what you value and stop spending on what you don't. That's all they said.
Ramit Sethi's book "I Will Teach You to be Reach" is a much better read with a similar philosophy. Way more actionable than this book.
I can see some spirit in the book but the execution was terrible. Their podcast is probably way better.
The core message was to spend on what you value and stop spending on what you don't. That's all they said.
Ramit Sethi's book "I Will Teach You to be Reach" is a much better read with a similar philosophy. Way more actionable than this book.
I can see some spirit in the book but the execution was terrible. Their podcast is probably way better.
Read
March 24, 2025what an easy and refreshing read! as someone who has been trying to increase their financial literacy over the past couple of months, this was a great supplement to the journey i started. however, this book is a great starting point for those who haven't and are interested!
June 12, 2025
Disclaimer - I have never listened to a single episode of The Frugal Friends podcast before, and this book was recommended in a Low/No Buy group without the podcast context too. My opinions are going to be different from their listener base. Also, I am BRUTAL to self help book reviews, the best thing I ever read was still only 3 stars because I think all of them are twice as long as they need to be.
I came into the book looking for some psychology tips and advice to help with a Low Buy challenge I'm doing this year. I did not realize this book was going to be written almost like it was still a podcast dialogue (back and forth between Jen and Jill). In written form, I really did not like how the trade-off was happening, so I did end up switching to audiobook (thank you library!) and then got to enjoy it more like a conversational podcast (the authors swap narration).
However, the majority of this book was pretty surface level for me, with advice more for beginners than people who have been budgeting and analyzing expenses for several years. For example, the car advice was so surface level, as was the intro to investing.
The best part of this book was the psychological analysis of spending in part two. There were about four or five pages of material that I found useful to reframe my own financial journey, and this book got a second star for that. For example with coffee and coffee shops, the book asks the reader to analyze the purpose of the purchase. Is the coffee fuel for work or errands, or is it a social activity, or is it a mix? How can you maximize emotional fulfillment of coffee versus the habitual coffee buying? Those were the examples I liked best and got the most from.
Anyways, congrats on the book, just not for me.
I came into the book looking for some psychology tips and advice to help with a Low Buy challenge I'm doing this year. I did not realize this book was going to be written almost like it was still a podcast dialogue (back and forth between Jen and Jill). In written form, I really did not like how the trade-off was happening, so I did end up switching to audiobook (thank you library!) and then got to enjoy it more like a conversational podcast (the authors swap narration).
However, the majority of this book was pretty surface level for me, with advice more for beginners than people who have been budgeting and analyzing expenses for several years. For example, the car advice was so surface level, as was the intro to investing.
The best part of this book was the psychological analysis of spending in part two. There were about four or five pages of material that I found useful to reframe my own financial journey, and this book got a second star for that. For example with coffee and coffee shops, the book asks the reader to analyze the purpose of the purchase. Is the coffee fuel for work or errands, or is it a social activity, or is it a mix? How can you maximize emotional fulfillment of coffee versus the habitual coffee buying? Those were the examples I liked best and got the most from.
Anyways, congrats on the book, just not for me.
January 9, 2025
What I love about the Frugal Friends Podcast also shines through in Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. It's like sitting around with a group of friends who are passionate about financial well-being, but you are excited to listen. Let's face it, reading about finances sounds a little dry, but Jen and Jill have a way of making it relatable while driving your curiosity to really delve into understanding how to better manage your money to fit the values you have prioritized for your life. I was blessed with an ARC copy, but sometimes the ADHD wins....so I grabbed the Audible version on the release date and walked around my yard and the grocery store until I finished! The fact that I picked up and put down a planner in the aisle of shame at Aldi, only later to reach the passage about well-intentioned but unused planners, is not lost on me. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is trying to wrap their head around their finances and wants to get there with your everyday kind of people who may never be billionaires, but may want to fund a billion memories instead!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
January 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I listened to it as a short, 6-hour audiobook and found the lessons so impactful that I went out and bought the physical copy. Normally, I steer clear of self-help books they’re just not my thing but this one spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect. I’d recommend it to anyone, whether you’re struggling with debt or simply want to get better at budgeting.
The book is written by two women in their 30s who are funny, relatable, and clearly understand the world we live in the Costco-shopping, everyday-life kind of world. They offer a fresh approach to money management, focusing on value-based spending. The idea is to align your spending with what truly matters to you. For example, you might think you value going out for drinks with friends, but what you really value is quality time with them.
The authors guide you through three key steps: analyzing your current spending to identify what you value, prioritizing those values when you can’t afford everything, and uncovering the root causes of impulse spending. They break down common, relatable scenarios and offer practical solutions, like shifting your mindset from "I didn’t overdraft, so I’m doing okay" to a more sustainable approach to managing your finances.
What stood out to me was how real and doable it all felt nothing preachy or overwhelming. It’s simple, actionable advice wrapped in humor and honesty. I’m genuinely excited to go through 90 days of my transactions to uncover my true values and adjust my spending accordingly.
The book is written by two women in their 30s who are funny, relatable, and clearly understand the world we live in the Costco-shopping, everyday-life kind of world. They offer a fresh approach to money management, focusing on value-based spending. The idea is to align your spending with what truly matters to you. For example, you might think you value going out for drinks with friends, but what you really value is quality time with them.
The authors guide you through three key steps: analyzing your current spending to identify what you value, prioritizing those values when you can’t afford everything, and uncovering the root causes of impulse spending. They break down common, relatable scenarios and offer practical solutions, like shifting your mindset from "I didn’t overdraft, so I’m doing okay" to a more sustainable approach to managing your finances.
What stood out to me was how real and doable it all felt nothing preachy or overwhelming. It’s simple, actionable advice wrapped in humor and honesty. I’m genuinely excited to go through 90 days of my transactions to uncover my true values and adjust my spending accordingly.
January 6, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. I’ve been a fan of Jen & Jill and the Frugal Friends community for several years. Jen and Jill are both down to earth and share information in a really approachable and even fun way. I say this as someone who has felt very overwhelmed in the past when thinking about finances at all.
Jen and Jill have offered a personal finance book that uniquely addresses spending, specifically how to manage spending in an intentional and values-based manner. Throughout the book, personal anecdotes from the authors and about their Frugal Friends community members, remind readers we are not alone in learning some hard spending lessons or successes. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way the authors describe spending and debt as morally neutral, thereby taking away the typical stigma and even shame that can come with personal finances. Spending is a personal activity and how and when we spend are like voting with our values. Jen and Jill encourage readers to get on this journey with self compassion and curiosity. Additionally, each chapter gives key insights and actionable steps, such as the 90 day transaction diary.
I’d recommend this book as a way of examining your spending habits. This book encourages the reader to reflect on how our individual spending habits can actually connect us to our strongest values. Furthermore, Jen and Jill not only have written this book in a way that makes you feel like you’re having a chat with great friends, the authors remind readers that connecting with our local and wider communities can enrich values based spending journeys!
Jen and Jill have offered a personal finance book that uniquely addresses spending, specifically how to manage spending in an intentional and values-based manner. Throughout the book, personal anecdotes from the authors and about their Frugal Friends community members, remind readers we are not alone in learning some hard spending lessons or successes. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way the authors describe spending and debt as morally neutral, thereby taking away the typical stigma and even shame that can come with personal finances. Spending is a personal activity and how and when we spend are like voting with our values. Jen and Jill encourage readers to get on this journey with self compassion and curiosity. Additionally, each chapter gives key insights and actionable steps, such as the 90 day transaction diary.
I’d recommend this book as a way of examining your spending habits. This book encourages the reader to reflect on how our individual spending habits can actually connect us to our strongest values. Furthermore, Jen and Jill not only have written this book in a way that makes you feel like you’re having a chat with great friends, the authors remind readers that connecting with our local and wider communities can enrich values based spending journeys!
June 17, 2025
If you’re looking for input on how to save in little practical ways, this is a great help. I enjoyed this audio book. I liked their thoughts on just stating that something isn’t with in your budget or doing no-spend months etc. It’s ok for friends to hear that you aren’t comfortable buying something because you need to save. You can do things that are out of the ordinary! You don’t have to be an impulse spender. Save for things that you really love or need!
September 21, 2025
3.5
The book is a short read and provides lots of advice. For my age group, I've already heard a lot of this (I did get some new ideas) so I think it's great for younger readers. I liked the action components at the end of each chapter. Quick read.
The book is a short read and provides lots of advice. For my age group, I've already heard a lot of this (I did get some new ideas) so I think it's great for younger readers. I liked the action components at the end of each chapter. Quick read.
January 5, 2025
This included a thorough explanation of values-based spending, which is so important if you don't have limitless money and time (read: all of us). I found it very motivating to continue to improve my financial habits and be more intentional with my purchases, for the purpose of sustainability and saving money. This would be such good reading for anyone graduating high school and heading into the "real world." Practical advice abounds in this book.
August 4, 2025
This was different than other personal finance books as it was more about the psychological component of finance, in a way. It was less numbers-focused. It was good and there are some tips I will take with me.
June 28, 2025
I love the Frugal Friends podcast and have been a faithful listener of theirs for years. this book did not disappoint! I love their take on money, landing in "the radical middle" instead of extreme deprivation or intense over-spending.
January 6, 2025
This book ties a beautiful bow around the concept of only spending money on things that you value. It helps to define your “why” and ultimately what makes you happy. I’ve read countless finance books but have never really changed my attitude and mindset about money. However, after reading this book and listening to the podcast, I understand that I’ve been spending on things that will mean nothing to me by the time they arrive at my doorstep. This book has helped me understand myself and the psychology aspect of money while giving useful money tips. Reading this book is like reading a letter from a long lost friend. My millennial heart has been filled with reminiscent moments from the past as they’ve been sprinkled in this book with care. This book and this podcast has changed my view on life and money for the better. I’ve always considered myself cheap, constantly searching for the next good deal or spending as little as possible while still trying to buy good quality. However, I now know that some of this behavior is really frugality and I was able to stop the spending on silly things that don’t really add value to my life and define the things that do. Thank you, frugal friends. You are the friends I’ve never had and I have finally found a community of people who understand me.
January 7, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book, and it has already been incredibly eye-opening and personally beneficial! Unlike traditional personal finance books that focus solely on saving more and spending less, this one takes a refreshing approach. The authors focus on aligning your spending with personal core values. The concept of determining what your values are, what you want to spend your money on and planning to spend your money on the things that matter seems so simple but it's so impactful. What I appreciate most is their non-judgmental tone. Jen and Jill walk you through the process, step by step, to reflect on where you spend money on and get you thinking about what you want to spend money on (notice I didn't say what you should spend money on because there’s no shaming or prescriptive advice here ). It's filled with financial empowerment and I've noticed a substantial improvement by following advice from the book. Under the financial mentorship of Jen & Jill, I have reduced our spending by 20% this month. Their personal stories are so relatable and illustrate their lessons with honesty, curiosity and intention. If you are searching for a practical, thoughtful way to improve your finances without feeling overwhelmed and guilty, this is a must-read. Be sure to also check out their Frugal Friends podcast too! It's filled with fun and insight.
February 4, 2025
I did NOT get an advanced copy. I found Jen and Jill through their media blitz for the book on another personal finance podcast I listen to. So many financial books are about saving for your future. This book helped me get excited about spending in the present. And not just spending for spendings’ sake, but spending to help me cherish the life I have today.
The focus on psychology is right up my alley, and made me think critically about how and why I spend money. I have already become more intentional about my spending, did a no spend month in January (influenced by their podcast before the book came out), and saved 2.5k to put towards the family car we want to purchase this year. Turns out I care way more about a car that fits our family than I do about daily take-out and Amazon purchases.
It’s also the first time I truly thought about my environmental impact (only took me 32 years…eek). This is not your average financial book. I plan to read it again and continue to listen to their podcast to be inspired on how to be a better steward of my money, my time, my relationships, and our earth. Amazing work, Jen & Jill!
The focus on psychology is right up my alley, and made me think critically about how and why I spend money. I have already become more intentional about my spending, did a no spend month in January (influenced by their podcast before the book came out), and saved 2.5k to put towards the family car we want to purchase this year. Turns out I care way more about a car that fits our family than I do about daily take-out and Amazon purchases.
It’s also the first time I truly thought about my environmental impact (only took me 32 years…eek). This is not your average financial book. I plan to read it again and continue to listen to their podcast to be inspired on how to be a better steward of my money, my time, my relationships, and our earth. Amazing work, Jen & Jill!
January 7, 2025
I’ve listened to the Frugal Friends podcast for years. It’s like laughing with friends over coffee in the morning. Fun and helpful. I received an advanced copy of the book and thought what more could I get that I don’t get from the podcast. The book is like getting more serious and sharing more personal things once your armor has gone down after the laughs. It makes you really try to uncover more deeply the psychological aspects of money without the usual self reprimands and shame. That’s big because shame and embarrassment is literally the definition of money for some of us. I appreciated that I could learn more about myself and money in a safe space. It also included the “put into practice” aspect with actionable steps that just move things forward. It’s easy to read and I appreciate that. Recommend for anyone embarking on the journey of having healthy finances.
October 21, 2025
I’ve never listened to this podcast before, so I’m not familiar with the authors. But I really enjoyed listening to all these financial reminders. I think if I listened to this in my 20s it may have felt more revolutionary. but I think our attention spans due to burnout/exhaustion of the state of the world can make it difficult to keep what once was strong financial intentions that slowly peter out. The authors were a little upbeat to a fault on audiobook it was giving some cheesy “girl boss” “would you like to join my Christian based MLM” vibes just in tone 😂 but overall it had me rechecking in with myself on finances and that’s the point!
February 3, 2025
I listen to the pod and this is probably a great book if you’re new to budgeting. This is less about the mechanics of budgeting, but more about the philosophical why behind what you choose to prioritize in your budget. If you need help actually making a budget, this is not it. This will make you feel less alone, however, if you feel like your life doesn’t match up to your peers based on what it seems like other people have that you don’t. It’s ok to want something different for yourself, and we take all different paths to get to where we want to be. That’s what I feel like the message is.
February 17, 2025
I enjoyed the duel perspective this book had between the authors, Jen & Jill, that had two different backgrounds. I gained some helpful budgeting outlook frameworks like values-based spending that I am excited to put into practice. I enjoyed the intertwined storytelling and advice for financial gain presented in a very conversational way. Good beginner’s budgeting book.
September 28, 2025
approachable, refreshing, and the millennial humor sprinkled throughout made me laugh. this isn’t an overly complicated finance book and the ideas and action steps are very tangible. it felt like 2 girlies chatting over coffee about their passion for personal finance and frugality and I love that vibe. I appreciate that they touched on spirituality, community, and the environmental impacts of overconsuming too. I’ll definitely be listening to their podcast now!
January 6, 2025
This book was like a warm hug as a personal finance guide where not only was it a breeze to read, but also relatable and practical.
I loved the focus on finding what you value, and prioritizing what you value — instead of what others/social media tells you.
Jen and Jill make saving (and spending) fun where it’s possible to see it as a hobby instead of a chore.
Thank you for the ARC copy of this book and I look forward to hearing more from the Frugal Friends podcast!
I loved the focus on finding what you value, and prioritizing what you value — instead of what others/social media tells you.
Jen and Jill make saving (and spending) fun where it’s possible to see it as a hobby instead of a chore.
Thank you for the ARC copy of this book and I look forward to hearing more from the Frugal Friends podcast!
January 7, 2025
What a great read! This book offers insights into finances and budgeting that I have not seen anywhere else. The principles really make sense and I believe they will help me succeed in areas that have been a struggle for me. I found this book to be easy to read, informative, and entertaining!
December 15, 2025
Extremely easy to listen to and appreciated that it helped me get into a good mindset for upcoming year when it comes to finances and prioritizing what i love. However, it didn’t really say much in the end…”this could have been an email” type of situation
May 15, 2025
good thoughtful advice. makes me want to listen to their podcast
May 15, 2025
Simple yet relatable advice that I think will be useful for me!
February 16, 2025
Realistic and hits the emotional aspect of spending!
December 28, 2025
I love their podcast, so I had to read their book! Great information and I love that they both read the audiobook too!
January 30, 2025
I went into listening to this audiobook with pretty low expectations and was pleasantly surprised! I’ve never listened to the Frugal Friends podcast but really enjoyed their theory of values-based spending. There are also some great practical tips here that I will be using.
May 23, 2025
finally! an actual meaningful finance book! not about manifesting money or just never spending ever. i feel like i actually got stuff out of this book
April 2, 2025
Very good book about values-based spending from the creators of the Frugal Friends podcast. The authors help us weed out advertising and what other people tell us we need to buy, instead bringing the focus to what we actually value in our lives. The writers take the shame out of debt while guiding readers where to focus available resources.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews