In Episode 33 Mad takes Jac on her early journey of cutting microplastics from her household. She knows they’re bad, but she’s steering clear of diving too deep into the research—because let’s face it, ignorance can be bliss! Are you on the same journey, or do you have tips to share?

Meanwhile, Jac, now in her final trimester with baby number three, reflects on her experiences with homemade baby wipes. Spoiler alert: the costs might shock you! Join us for a mix of conscious living, budget-friendly hacks, and real-life parenting insights.

In this episode, we dive deep into the term tight arse—what does it actually mean, and how has society twisted it into a negative? We flip the script on frugality and reframe it as smart spending—a lifestyle of intentional choices in a world where spending is often tied to status and success. This conversation hits the heart of why we started this podcast, and we’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree?

Plus, Jac’s entering the back-to-school phase for the first time and has gathered the best listener tips for saving on everything from uniforms to lunchboxes. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie like Jac, you’ll find these hacks super handy!

Tune in for laughs, insights, and practical advice to start the school year right.

This episode is a wild ride.

Mad and Jac are recording their last IRL episode together before Mad heads back to Victoria, and they’re bringing all the chaos of parenting four crazy kids into the mix.

Exhausted but full of laughs, Jac offers up some “brilliant” hacks she’s super proud of—only for Mad to hilariously shut them down as space-saving hacks, not money-saving ones. Cue uncontrollable laughter and some of the funniest moments yet!

But are Jac’s hacks really shockers? Or is she onto something? You’ll have to listen and decide for yourself.

Between the giggles, the duo shares some practical money-saving reminders, especially with public holidays like Australia Day just around the corner. Plus, Jac lets us in on a bad habit she’s determined to ditch in 2025.

Get ready for laughs, a little chaos, and some nuggets of wisdom in this unforgettable episode! 🎧

Mad and Jac are back together IRL for the final episode of 2024, recording from the beautiful Sunshine Butterflies on the Sunshine Coast. In this special bonus episode, we unpack the year that was—sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned.

Jac dives into her thoughts after watching Buy Now on Netflix and transfers a heavy dose of consumer guilt over to all of us (thanks, Jac!). It's a wild ride as we reflect on how far we've come and the mission that's driving us forward—removing the stigma around mindful consumption and proving that less can truly be more.

Join us as we laugh, vent, and get excited about what's to come in 2025. ✨ Here's to embracing frugality without sacrifice.

Fresh from a Christmas party (and a few champagnes), Maddy and Jac are bringing the festive vibes to this episode of Chic to be Cheap!

Jac unveils a fun new name for the community (no more just “listeners” for us!), while Maddy seeks advice on tackling a sneaky extra fee at her new gym—should she ask for a refund or let it slide?

Plus, Jac reviews the viral Matthew McConaughey salad recipe with its surprising ingredients—does it live up to the hype? Expect plenty of laughs, more Christmas chatter, clever Marketplace savings, and all the usual budget-savvy goodness.

Grab a cuppa (or a champagne) or neither of those because you're driving - and join the fun!

This week, Jac gives her much-anticipated review of Bluey’s World. Did it live up to the hype?

Maddy also surprises Jac with their very first Spotify Wrapped for creators, and the listener stats reveal some unexpected and fun insights about who’s tuning in.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a tangent—we dive into dinosaurs, and you might actually learn something new (we did!). Plus, Jac shares her latest Marketplace finds and stories, keeping things practical and relatable as always.

Join us for an episode full of surprises, laughs, and maybe a dino fact or two!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—and we’re diving into all the festive feels (and debates)! In this holiday-themed episode, we tackle the hot topic of teacher presents—Maddy's spicy opinion might just get her cancelled… or maybe she's saying what we're all secretly thinking?

We also reminisce about the family Christmas traditions we grew up with and chat about creating meaningful ones with our own families—what truly matters, and what’s OK to let go of. Plus, we explore how to soak in the joy of the lead-up to Christmas, instead of pinning it all on one big day.

Finally, it’s time for Splurge or Skimp: Christmas Edition! From decorations to gifts and food, we’re breaking down where to save and where to spend this holiday season.

Grab a gingerbread latte, tune in, and let’s unwrap the magic (and chaos) of Christmas together! 🎁

Listen now and join the discussion—do you agree with Maddy's take?

Jac is back from holidays, and it’s time to unpack everything! Why did our “quick” 2-week break stretch to 3? Maddy’s long-awaited Gucci sunglasses have arrived—but are they the real deal? We investigate. 🕶️

We’re also diving into the Black Friday madness: the best deals we scored (and the absolute worst). PLUS, there’s an exciting life update you don’t want to miss.

It’s a longer episode, but we’ve got so much to catch up on, and trust us—you’ll want to hear every minute. Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy! 🎧

Both Jac and Maddy found themselves fighting the urge to splurge this week, and it wasn’t easy!

After a close-call disaster at home, Jac took it as a cue to execute a quick, budget-friendly home hack.

Meanwhile, Maddy gets creative with dessert tips for when the pantry is bare but the cravings are real. Plus, Jac’s backyard chickens have hit a rough patch (aka a fox), meaning fewer eggs and a few more laughs as they share the trials of farm-to-table life on a budget.

Tune in for tips, laughs, and a reminder that saving doesn’t mean sacrificing!

Maddy and Jacqui are back with more budget-friendly tips, hilarious stories, and parenting fails! Both share their own raw chicken disasters. Jacqui also tells us about her family’s first-ever bike ride, which had a surprising outcome.

On top of that, we’ve got a nifty new website recommendation to help you compare prices and save in time for Santa. And for those keen to save on entertainment, we’ll point you towards some great free streaming platforms.

Don’t forget to share the pod with your friends, your girl group chat—let’s spread the frugal love and help everyone save a few bucks in the crazy economic climate.