Frugal Friends Podcast: Episode Summary Episode Title: Save Money By Decluttering
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Guest: Ingrid Jensen (Declutter Hub)

Overview

In the "Save Money By Decluttering" episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into the intricate relationship between clutter and personal finances. Featuring Ingrid Jensen from Declutter Hub, the conversation explores how reducing physical clutter can lead to significant financial savings, improved mental well-being, and a more organized lifestyle.

Impact of Clutter on Finances

Clutter Leads to Increased Spending:
Jen Smith initiates the discussion by highlighting how clutter doesn't just occupy physical space but also affects financial health. She explains that disorganization often results in overbuying, as individuals are unable to locate existing items and thus purchase duplicates unknowingly.

[03:43] Jen:
“Clutter impacts people's lives tremendously. I mean, not even money alone. It impacts children and partners and family and family life and spending and shopping habits.”

Example of Overbuying Essentials:
A particularly relatable example is the tendency to buy excessive amounts of essential items like underwear and socks due to misplaced or hidden originals amidst the chaos.

[06:41] Jill:
“That's amazing to me that it'd be underwear and socks.”

Jen elaborates on this by sharing how clutter can mask the true availability of items, leading to unnecessary purchases.

[05:16] Jen:
“People have no idea where they are, what the status is, how much money they have, what they are spending their money on.”

Positive Effects of Decluttering on Financial Health

Discovery of Hidden Savings:
Decluttering not only reduces expenses but can also uncover hidden savings. Jen shares stories of clients finding forgotten insurance documents or overlooked gift cards that lead to substantial savings.

[08:20] Jen:
“She did then found out she could finally find out her insurance documents for her car and her holiday and her house and her. And she just did a price comparison on a car insurance and saved £450.”

Enhanced Organization Leads to Financial Clarity:
With fewer physical distractions, individuals can better track their finances, pay bills on time, and make more informed spending decisions.

[11:13] Jill:
“There's the possibility of finding money as you declutter, but the inverse of the negative impacts of having clutter. It's the opposite then that. Then you know where things are and your bills are paid on time.”

Practical Tips to Declutter and Save Money

1. Start Small:
Jen advises listeners to begin with manageable areas, such as a single drawer or cupboard, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

[13:34] Jen:
“Start small. So don't go, I'm going to do a whole room this weekend. It's too much.”

2. Use Up Existing Items:
Before purchasing new items, utilize what you already have. This practice not only reduces expenses but also minimizes the accumulation of unused goods.

[16:31] Jen:
“Start using up what you have. Let me explain that we all have lots of toiletries, lots of cleaning products... Get it all together and see what you have.”

3. Stop Buying Duplicates:
By being aware of what you already possess, you can curb the habit of buying similar items, leading to significant savings over time.

[18:51] Jen:
“Stop buying what you already have. Because you have lots of stuff. You can shop from your own house for a while and that way you can save lots of money.”

4. Declutter Before Organizing:
Jen emphasizes the importance of decluttering prior to organizing to ensure that the newly organized spaces remain sustainable and clutter-free.

[25:18] Jill:
“I so appreciate your focus on decluttering before organizing... It's not just organizing, it's actually getting to the root of the problem.”

Real-Life Examples and Stories

Client Success Stories:
Jen shares various anecdotes, such as clients finding lost jewelry or money, which not only declutters their homes but also adds unexpected financial benefits.

[10:13] Jen:
“I recently found a very expensive bracelet that my client had lost. And we're not talking about a couple of hundred pounds. We're talking about a serious, beautiful diamond bracelet.”

Personal Experiences:
Both hosts and guests recount personal decluttering experiences, highlighting common challenges and humorous mishaps that many can relate to.

[37:28] Jill:
“I have fallen in that algorithm on Instagram and TikTok and I'm like, why? Why do you need three spares?”

Interactive Segments

Bill of the Week:
The hosts introduce a light-hearted segment where they share their "bill" of the week, blending financial topics with personal anecdotes.

[32:33] Jen:
“It's time for the best minute of your entire week... My bill is the restaurant.”

Lightning Round:
In a fun and engaging lightning round, the hosts reveal the most embarrassing things they've discovered while decluttering, fostering a sense of community and relatability.

[35:11] Ingrid:
“The most embarrassing thing I've discovered is my packet drawer in the kitchen sometimes has opened packets making everything gross.”

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to their guest, Ingrid, and encourages listeners to engage with the Frugal Friends community through various platforms. The hosts reiterate the profound impact decluttering can have on one’s financial situation, emphasizing that small, consistent steps can lead to significant long-term benefits.

[42:24] Jen:
“It's all about paring it down just a little bit and hopefully that way you will get a better grip of this clutter in your house and make it a bit easier for yourself.”

Key Takeaways

• Clutter can inadvertently lead to increased spending through overbuying and loss of track of existing items.
• Decluttering has multifaceted benefits, including financial savings, reduced stress, and improved organization.
• Practical steps such as starting small, using up what you have, and stopping the purchase of duplicates are essential strategies.
• Personal stories and interactive segments make the topic relatable and encourage listener engagement.

Resources Mentioned

• Declutter Hub Podcast: Available on all podcast platforms and at DeclutterHub.com
• DeclutterHub Community: Join their Facebook group for support and additional resources.
• Book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke available online and at participating libraries.

For more detailed discussions and insights, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast.