Smart Living

Choose Chicago’s Joanie Filetto stopped by Smart Living to share the ultimate Windy City budget hacks—from catching free concerts at Millennium Park to getting stunning skyline views at the Obama Presidential Center without paying for a museum ticket! 🤫

Plus, learn how to get a scenic river tour for just $10!

It’s been a minute since the last episode of the Smart Living Podcast, but I am so excited to be back recording at the BBB Studio! On this episode, I sat down with my long-time friend, fellow valley journalist, and absolute travel maven, Geri Koeppel.

With plane tickets and gas prices sky-high right now, we are all feeling the pinch. But Geri and I both refuse to let high prices get in the way of a luxury vacation. We dug deep into the world of credit card points, hidden hotel perks, and why you should never just "sit" on your rewards.

If you missed the episode, don’t worry—I’ve got the biggest takeaways and insider "discoverables" right here to help you hack your next bucket-list trip.

If you’ve ever walked into a grocery store and walked out wondering where your money went, you’re not alone. I’ve made it my mission to help Arizonans and anyone who buys food stretch their grocery dollars without sacrificing quality or joy.

For over two years, I’ve been building a workshop called Grocery Guru, designed to teach anyone  no matter your income or family size how to save big at the grocery store. It’s packed with practical strategies, smart shopping habits, and easy-to-use apps that help you compare prices, cut waste, and even get a workout while you shop!

Thanks to a wonderful partnership with the City of Phoenix Public Library System, Grocery Guru is completely free to attend. All you need is a Phoenix Public Library card  which is also free!

Ever wonder what it’s like to sell everything, live out of a backpack, and travel the world on a budget? My friend Carol has done it for 9 years across 41 countries—and now calls Spain home!

From $2 bottles of wine to her top pick for the cheapest country to live in, she shares how to turn “stuff” into unforgettable experiences.

Did you know there’s a place in Tempe where you can fill a 3-gallon bucket with school supplies for just $5? From crayons to books, Treasures 4 Teachers is helping educators save big AND keeping thousands of items out of landfills. I sat down with Executive Director Joy Kline on my latest Smart Living podcast to talk about how this nonprofit supports our community, the must-shop $5 Fill-a-Bucket deal, and their thrift store where your finds help fund classrooms. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just love a bargain place is a game-changer.

#SmartLivingPodcast #TreasuresForTeachers #TeacherSavings #ThriftStoreFinds #ReduceReuseRecycle #SmartShopperDaphne

In this episode of Smart Living, I’m joined by my dear friend Annie Middlemist—a former classroom teacher turned educator consultant and host of the podcast Leave It at the Door. With over 25 years of experience in education, Annie shares her no-nonsense, practical tips for teachers on how to save money as they head back into the classroom.

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up—it means glowing up! On the blog: a powerful convo with The Devil Wears SPF about skincare, shame-free beauty, and the best DIY hacks to age beautifully (and affordably).

In this episode of Smart Living, I sat down with longtime friend and former ABC15 investigative reporter Joe Ducey, who now works with the Better Business Bureau as the Associate VP of Investigative Outreach. He’s the go-to guy for protecting yourself from scams—and trust me, the scams are getting sneakier.

Parents! Are you saving for your child’s education? The Arizona 529 Plan offers tax advantages and flexible investment options—starting at just $15/month! Kids can enter the AZ 529 Art Contest to win $529 for their savings plan! Learn more at SmartShopperDaphne.com

Feeling stuck with negative energy? One of the best ways to turn it around is by getting involved in your community! In this episode, we dive into the power of community events, especially those that uplift women and protect marginalized groups. Let’s talk about making a difference!