The Joyful Frugalista

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Serina Bird, author of The Joyful Frugalista, chats with friends, family, and the famous about frugality, investing, wellbeing and living sustainability.

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60 recent

June 13, 2026Episode 15829 min

145: The secrets behind Australia's top online entrepreneurs with Bernadette Schwerdt

In this episode, Serina Bird chats with bestselling author and entrepreneurship expert Bernadette Schwerdt about the secrets behind Australia’s most successful online founders. Drawing on insights from her latest book, Secrets of the New Online Entrepreneurs, Bernadette shares the mindset shifts, digital strategies, and real‑world stories that reveal how everyday people are building extraordinary businesses in the new digital economy. Topics covered The traits shared by Australia’s most successful online founders Why persistence matters How to choose the right business model for the life you want The role of authenticity and personal brand What founders wish they knew before partnering up How digital creators turn attention into income The biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make About Bernadette Schwerdt Bernadette Schwerdt is an award‑winning Australian entrepreneur, bestselling author, and one of the country’s leading experts on online business and copywriting. She is the founder of the Australian School of Copywriting, a long‑time tutor at the Australian Writers’ Centre, and the ghostwriter behind several high‑profile business biographies including Catch of the Decade and How to Build a Business Others Want to Buy. With decades of experience interviewing founders, coaching authors, and analysing what makes digital businesses succeed, Bernadette brings a rare combination of storytelling, strategy, and practical wisdom to the world of entrepreneurship.

May 26, 2026Episode 15744 min

144: From Pilot to FI: Captain FI's Journey to Financial Freedom

In this episode, Serina Bird chats with Captain FI about how the financial independence movement has shaped his life, the importance of intentional spending, and how to achieve financial freedom while maintaining a balanced life. Key topics Captain FI's journey from aviation to FI The importance of intentional spending and lifestyle choices Building passive income streams through investing and online business The psychological aspects of FIRE and finding purpose after financial independence Practical tips for frugal living and maintaining quality of life Resources Captain FI Podcast

May 24, 2026Episode 15537 min

143: Finding home with Lucinda Hartley

Serina sits down with award‑winning urban designer, housing expert and author Lucinda Hartley to unpack Australia’s broken path to home ownership — and why the old rulebook no longer works. Drawing on insights from her new book Finding Home, Lucinda explains why housing has become so unaffordable, how the Great Australian Dream was shaped by post‑war policy (and even anti‑communist sentiment), and why so many of us are still chasing a version of “home” that doesn’t match how we actually live today. Key Takeaways The Great Australian Dream was never about the quarter‑acre block — it was about housing security, and the story needs updating Australia now has the largest homes in the world, even as families get smaller Most people buy homes based on inherited expectations, not on how they actually live Space is often a design problem, not a square‑metre problem — and neighbourhood amenities can replace private space Lifestyle isn’t about décor; it’s about your daily routines, rituals and needs Buying on the fringe can work — but only if the infrastructure is committed, not just promised Home doesn’t have to be forever; thinking in chapters can make housing more affordable and flexible There are now innovative financial models for home ownership About the Author — Lucinda Hartley Lucinda Hartley is an award‑winning urban designer, housing expert and serial entrepreneur named one of Australia’s Top 100 Most Influential Women by the AFR. With 20 years’ experience shaping cities and neighbourhoods around the world, she has worked on major projects for Google, contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Cities, and co‑founded Zeroo Home Loans, an innovative equity‑growth model helping Australians access home ownership. Her new book, Finding Home, is a practical, evidence‑based guide to choosing a home that fits the life you want to live — not the outdated dream you’ve been told to chase.

May 17, 2026Episode 15335 min

142: Get Growing with Jessica Brady

In this episode, Serina is joined by Jessica Brady, financial educator, founder, podcaster and now author of Get Growing: A No‑Nonsense Guide to Cultivating Wealth and Financial Freedom. Jess has spent more than two decades helping Australians transform their relationship with money through human, neuroscience‑informed coaching. Her book uses a gardening metaphor to help us understand our financial “roots,” clear out the “dirt,” and grow a flourishing money life — even if we’ve made mistakes or feel like we’re “shocking with money.” Topics How our early experiences shape lifelong money beliefs “Money is messy and complex and emotional and deeply human.” The systemic inequalities that make wealth harder for some groups, especially women, First Nations people and migrants. Accessibility, overwhelm, and the risks of algorithm‑driven advice. ‘Money in the Wild’ stories, that contain real, raw, relatable money stories that show we’re not alone. Why we judge ourselves (and others) based on visible money markers such as shiny new cars to “vintage” ones that rattle to the dog park. The ‘money monster’ concept — naming the voice that derails your financial decisions. Why money is a skill, not a personality trait. About Jessica Brady Jessica Brady is the founder of the Evergreen Money Club and creator of the Greenhouse Money Program. She is also host of the Financially Fierce podcast. Her new book, Get Growing, blends behavioural science, storytelling and practical tools to help readers build confidence, clarity and long‑term financial wellbeing.

May 3, 2026Episode 15133 min

141: Selling with Heart, Humour & Humanity with Kate Toon

Serina welcomes back the incomparable Kate Toon: award‑winning author, digital marketing educator, SEO queen, community builder, and now three‑time published author. Kate joins the show to talk about her new book, Six Figures in Sales, which outlines an approach that features selling with heart, humour and humanity. 💡 Key Takeaways Sales has a bad reputation, but selling doesn't have to be like that Ethical selling is about helping people make confident decisions People buy based on emotion, identity, and belonging Familiarity builds trust (hello, Apple packaging) Rapport matters more than charisma Negative reviews are powerful, and honesty helps prevent them Black Friday and FOMO tactics can trigger regret purchases Authenticity builds stronger customer relationships than perfection Sharing failures creates connection You can learn to sell well: it’s not an innate talent 🔑 Keywords sales psychology, ethical selling, rapport, digital marketing, authenticity, small business, entrepreneurship, capitalism, consumer behaviour, Kate Toon, Six Figures in Sales, marketing mindset 🎧 Sound Bites "People like buying things — it’s dopamine straight to the brain." "Familiarity can be more powerful than price or features." "Being yourself is the real formula for selling well."

April 19, 2026Episode 14939 min

140: Repurposing, rural living and living with common cents with Sheridan Riles

Sheridan Riles from Lost River in country New South Wales shares her insights on rural living, upcycling, frugal living, and community resilience. In this podcast, she talks about sustainable living, managing costs in rural Australia, and the importance of women in farming and community building. 🔑 Key topics Rural living challenges and community resilience Upcycling and sustainable home decor Cost-saving tips for rural households The role of women in Australian farming Seasonal gardening and food preservation Keywords rural living, upcycling, frugal living, community, women in farming, sustainability, cost-saving tips, Australian agriculture

April 13, 2026Episode 14736 min

139: The Wardrobe Project with Emma Edwards

Serina sits down with Emma Edwards, writer, podcaster, financial behaviour educator, and author of The Wardrobe Project: A Year of Buying Less and Liking Yourself More. Together, they explore the emotional side of clothing, the stories we attach to our wardrobes, and the surprising ways fashion becomes tangled with identity, self‑worth, and money. Emma shares how a year‑long no‑buy challenge transformed far more than her closet. From body image and “flattering” rules baked in during the 90s, to revenge spending during lockdown, to the fantasy selves we try to purchase online, Emma unpacks the psychology behind why we buy, and why we keep buying even when we already have more than enough. 💡 Key Takeaways Clothing is deeply emotional — especially for women Many of us use fashion to patch over insecurity or identity gaps The “rules” we learned in the 90s still shape how we dress today Lockdown triggered revenge spending and fantasy‑self shopping A no‑buy year creates space, quiet, and surprising self‑reflection Using what you already have builds confidence and creativity Outfit repeating is a privilege, not a problem Consumption noise is loud — and peace comes from stepping back You can’t buy your way into confidence Gradual, subtle changes are more powerful than instant makeovers 🔑 Keywords fashion psychology, emotional spending, body image, no‑buy challenge, wardrobe reset, identity, self‑worth, frugal fashion, sustainability, minimalism, The Wardrobe Project, Emma Edwards

April 7, 2026Episode 14640 min

138: From punch cards to AI: Nick McNaughton's innovation and angel investor journey

In this episode of The Joyful Frugalista, Serina sits down with someone who has inspired her especially when it comes to startups and angel investing. Nick McNaughton describes himself as “retired,” though anyone who knows him would say he’s simply entered a new, more self‑directed chapter of creativity and exploration. After decades as one of Canberra’s most influential innovation leaders (investor, mentor, venture fund CEO, and ecosystem builder), Nick has stepped back from formal roles to explore life on his own terms. Part of that new chapter is his YouTube channel, Max.Trax.Relax, where he documents adventures, experiments, and reflections, including a thoughtful series on retirement. Key Topics Nick McNaughton's journey from tech to investment The evolution of the technology industry over 50 years The Canberra innovation ecosystem and its success factors How to identify promising startups for investment The impact of AI on jobs, entrepreneurship, and society Strategies for a purposeful and balanced retirement

March 21, 2026Episode 1338 min

137: Practical retirement planning with James Wrigley

James Wrigley, one of Australia’s most-followed financial advisers and author of Retire Life Ready: Practical Steps to Build Your Wealth and Live Your Ideal Retirement, joins The Joyful Frugalista to chat about demystifying retirement planning and challenge what a “good retirement” really looks like. With over two decades of experience helping Australians take control of their finances, James shares a practical and realistic approach to retirement. This episode explores how to define an ideal retirement lifestyle, the role of superannuation and home ownership, balancing future goals with present enjoyment, and why retirement planning isn’t just about money, but also about choices, flexibility, and peace of mind. 💡 Key Takeaways Retirement looks different for everyone Superannuation plays a critical role Reducing debt before retirement can significantly increase financial confidence and flexibility It’s possible to plan for the future without sacrificing joy in the present Good retirement planning also considers healthcare, legacy, and the next generation. Topics We Cover Retirement planning in Australia How much money you need for a comfortable retirement Superannuation tips and common retirement mistakes Paying off your mortgage before retirement Investment properties and retirement strategy Healthcare costs in retirement Early retirement vs balanced living Estate planning, wills, and inheritance considerations Practical financial advice for pre-retirees and retirees Resources & Links 📘 Retire Life Ready by James Wrigley 🌐 James Wrigley – Financial Advice & Resources 📱 Follow James Wrigley on Instagram 📱 The Joyful Frugalista on Instagram Listen & Subscribe Loved this episode of The Joyful Frugalista Podcast? ✅ Subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations ✅ Share this episode with a friend planning their financial future ✅ Leave a rating or review to help more frugalistas find the show ✅ Join The Joyful Frugalista Facebook Group

January 4, 2026Episode 14329 min

136: Decluttering, money & mindset with Virginia Wells

Serina sits down with Virginia Wells, professional organiser and founder of WellSorted, to explore the deep emotional, psychological, and financial layers of clutter. From the hidden costs of “too much stuff” to the surprising ways clutter reflects our money mindset, Virginia brings compassion, clarity, and practical wisdom to a topic that affects almost everyone. Together, they unpack why Australians have more possessions than ever, how clutter creeps beyond our homes into our schedules and relationships, and why letting go can feel so hard. 💡 Key Takeaways Clutter has emotional, psychological, and financial costs Australia is following the US in having some of the world’s largest home footprints Clutter extends beyond physical items into schedules, inboxes, relationships, and beliefs We often acquire things from fear, impulse, or scarcity mindset Decluttering value personalities influence what we keep and why Hidden financial costs include late fees, duplicate purchases, and storage units Clutter can strain relationships and increase anxiety and depression Creativity and resourcefulness help overcome “just in case” thinking Community groups like Buy Nothing and homesteading groups support circular living