Frugal Friends Podcast — Episode Summary
Episode Title: 50 Popular Things We REGRET Buying
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Episode Overview
In this candid and humorous episode, Jen and Jill dig deep into the last decade of their purchasing histories to share 50 popular things they regret buying. Their goal? To help listeners avoid common spending pitfalls, understand the difference between value and hype, and feel less alone in making occasional money mistakes. This episode is packed with real talk on impulse buys, dupes, secondhand fails, and more—offering both laughter and sound frugal advice along the way.
Key Discussion Points
Introduction and Inspiration
- [00:53] Jen & Jill introduce themselves as seasoned frugalistas, reiterating their imperfection and openness about mistakes.
- [03:58] The episode is inspired by a viral TikTok from Grace Roady highlighting “stupid purchases of 2024” such as discounted designer clothes, Aloe leggings, and low-quality acrylic sweaters.
“Did I like the tops? Not really. Did I see them in my wardrobe? Not really. But they were 70% off retail...”
—Grace Roady, [04:13]
1. Impulse Buys
Definition: Purchases made with no forethought or real need, often fueled by social media trends.
- [06:09] Jen and Jill share their top impulse regrets, ranging from clothing influenced by TikTok to kitchen gadgets.
Jen’s Regrets
- Silk satin skirt: “Looked so cute on others, but uncomfortable on me.” [07:13]
- Collagen supplements: Didn’t deliver promised results. [07:49]
- Silk robe: Impractical for daily use—“It just opens...what is the point?” [08:59]
- GoPro: Aspirational buy never actually used (“I have dreams of filming myself while running, but I don’t even want to hold a water bottle!”) [10:05]
- Macramé kit: Never finished the project; added to her “craft graveyard.” [12:13]
- Popsicle molds: Never used, driven by postpartum dreams. [13:06]
Jill’s Regrets
- Dermaplane razors: Still unopened from fear of ingrown hairs. [13:47]
- Shampoo bought for the bottle design: Ended up making her hair worse. [15:06]
- Inflatable pineapple: A dollar well-wasted; ultimately popped by kids. [15:58]
- Stemmed glassware: Incompatible with her minimalism since it couldn’t go in the dishwasher. [16:53]
2. Things We Thought Would Solve a Problem
Definition: Items purchased because social media or marketing convinced them of a "problem" in need of fixing.
- [20:33] Jen and Jill list products that failed to resolve the issues they’d hoped.
Jen’s Regrets
- Bug zapper lamp: Too weak for the problem, then broke. [20:33]
- External webcam: Built-in laptop camera was actually superior. [21:23]
- Pour-over coffee setup: Unnecessary once pregnancy ended. [22:53]
- Baby carrier & floaty: Kids hated both and the float wasn’t pool-approved. [23:56]
Jill’s Regrets
- Protein powder & supplements: Poor reactions and no tangible improvement. [24:01]
- Blow-up travel pillow: Didn’t help her sleep on flights. [26:02]
- Camelback hydration pack: Never needed or used despite annual hikes. [26:02]
- Sourdough scoring razor: Injured herself and a knife would have sufficed. [26:02]
- Menstrual cup: Couldn’t figure it out; “I am too elder millennial for this.” [27:30]
3. Dupe Fails
Definition: Cheap alternatives purchased as a “dupe” for pricier products, which end up a disappointment.
- [27:46] The hosts stress that sometimes the real thing is really worth it.
Jen’s Regrets
- Cheap basics: End up repurchasing often, costing more in the long run. [27:46]
- Perfume dupe: Husband intended to buy Chanel, but ebay “roller” was an unwearable imitation. [29:48]
- Cheap Target crossbody bag: Uncomfortable and scratchy. [30:01]
- Fake leather jackets: Multiple purchases when buying one quality piece would suffice. [30:56]
Jill’s Regrets
- $99 designer wedding dress dupe: Looked nothing like the original—“regret the whole show.” [31:42]
- Fake/costume jewelry: Causes rashes; prefers simple real gold now. [32:40]
- Cheap frying pans: Keep warping; resolved to finally invest in All-Clad or Calphalon. [33:09]
4. Secondhand Fails
Definition: Used items purchased simply for the deal, not because they truly fit a need or style.
- [34:14] Not everything secondhand is worth it just because it’s discounted.
Jen’s Regrets
- RV to flip: Underestimated the time, effort, and hidden costs. [34:14]
- Used pocket door: Needed as-is, but required massive effort to refinish and wasn’t what she wanted. [35:13]
- Portable air conditioner: Wrong type for her windows and too noisy. [36:29]
- Cheap clothes: Ended up cluttering her home without satisfaction. [37:13]
Jill’s Regrets
- DIY smoking kit: Bought two for $2 at a yard sale; never resold, given away. [37:36]
- Vintage spice jar collection: Beautiful but impractical for actual use (“all different sizes, would have to pour spices back and forth”). [39:00]
- iPhone game controller gift: Used once and discarded. [40:38]
- Wall file organizer: Aspirational organizing system never actually used. [40:59]
- Lamps: Bought too many because they were cheap; now has a mismatched surplus. [41:35]
5. Plain Old Fails
Definition: Purchases that simply didn’t work out for practical or personal reasons.
- [42:15] Sometimes the regret is simply about learning your preferences.
Jen’s Regrets
- Bluetooth earbuds & fake AirPods from pawn shop: Poor fit or counterfeit. [42:17]
- Roomba: Too much maintenance, not effective vs. a regular vacuum. [43:38]
- Car phone holder: Blocked air conditioning, impractical in Florida. [44:27]
- Natural deodorant: Caused irritation and didn’t work. [44:27]
- Bulk purchases: Led to waste unless shelf-stable or freezable. [45:16]
- Nut milk bag: Bought for a fleeting interest in raw veganism, never used. [46:05]
Jill’s Regrets
- Private sale vehicle with engine problems: Should have consulted a mechanic first. [46:19]
- Wool socks: Allergic reaction ruined intended hiking use. [46:19]
- Book club book: Bought when it was available at the library. [47:04]
- Pink streamers for podcast videos: Overused and wish they’d thought more about aesthetic. [47:18]
- Attempting to get a free hot tub: Turned into an unpaid junk removal nightmare. [47:49]
- Specialty ingredients: Go unused for most one-off recipes. [48:47]
- Podcast studio wallpaper: Not loving the vibe and considering a change. [48:52]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Feeling good in your clothes is what’s really important.”
—Jen, [07:40] - “I now have a black cotton robe, and I do wear that every day. And it stays closed.”
—Jen, [09:31] - “Just because it’s secondhand, just because it’s a deal, does not mean it’s worth spending money on.”
—Jen, [34:14] - “Every fail isn’t inherently bad—it’s ok to look back, learn from your mistakes, and buy things you can feel truly confident about.”
—Jill, [50:30]
Key Tips & Takeaways
- Impulse control: Pause before buying, especially with trends flashing across social media.
- Quality over quantity: Sometimes the frugal option is actually the costlier one in the long run.
- Problem-solving: Ask if the problem truly needs a purchase to be resolved, or if it’s manufactured by marketing.
- Secondhand savvy: Don’t let a good deal overshadow actual need or compatibility with your life.
- Dupe danger: If you really care about longevity and experience, get the real thing.
- It’s ok to regret: Everyone buys “fails” sometimes. The value is in the lesson, not just the money spent.
Community Segment: Bill of the Week
- [51:25] Joanne from Las Vegas saves thousands on her irrigation system by accepting a quote from a trusted landscaper, Alberto, for $2,500 vs. the $10,000–20,000 contractor estimates.
- Advice: Always get at least three quotes and consider trusted workers for in-home projects.
Lightning Round: Best Purchases of the Year
- Jen: $8 door hook to keep the dog and toddler safely indoors. [55:38]
- Jill: Stick vacuum—a practical upgrade over handheld vacuuming. [56:46]
Final Reminders
- “You don’t need it. You already have everything you need. It’s okay to want things—but you can hold off.” [49:18]
- “Not every fail is inherently bad… Learn, adjust, and buy the things you feel confident about.” [50:30]
Suggested Further Listening
- Next episode tease: "How TikTok is ruining hobbies" [57:46]
- Book plug: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke gets a glowing listener review for combining frugality with values-driven spending. [57:54]
How to Support
- Leave a review on Apple/Spotify or comment on YouTube to support the podcast for free.
- Share your own purchase regrets or frugal tips with the community—frugal friends podcast.com/bill
This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling against consumerism, impulsive buys, or feeling alone in having spending regrets. Jen and Jill’s transparency, humor, and sisterly banter make financial wisdom both accessible and deeply relatable.