I’m Jen, CFP® candidate and co-host of the Frugal Friends Podcast

My husband, Travis, and I got married on October 3rd, 2015, with almost $78,000 of debt between us. Through frugality and side hustles, we paid it off in 23 months.

Since then, I’ve been passionate about teaching people the things I never learned about money growing up in ways that the girlies can understand. I do that primarily on Frugal Friends Podcast, the #1 frugal living podcast in the world.

I’m also a bestselling author of 4 books, including our most recent, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, the definitive guide to values-based spending. I will also be sitting for the CFP® exam in July 2026. As a CFP® I look forward to helping other financial planners communicate about values-based spending more effectively with their clients.

Outside of work, I’m a mom to 2 boys and am training for the Disney World Marathon in January 2027

10 Things About Me:

1. More than anything, I want to love all people like Jesus loves people (not very good at it, but always improving)

2. I was a pescatarian for 10 years

3. I love iced coffee (I have perfected my home recipe.)

4.  I was an acupuncturist for 5 years before working in financial media.

5. I used to design T-Shirts. It got me in Money Magazine!

6. I worked as a caregiver at foster group homes for three years and hope to be a foster mom in the future.

7. My husband and I met and were married in 11 months. We just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in 2025!

8. I’ve recently taken up embroidery as a hobby

9. I have 2 boys. They are the best… they are a lot.

10. I love cruises. They are my favorite way to travel.