Spark Joy

By Kristyn Ivey and Karin SocciSociety & Culture Education Self-Improvement Kids & Family

Spark Joy episodes

January 14, 2020Ep 115 | Someday: Aspirational Items and Unfinished Business
Today, we explore the mindset and reasoning behind holding only things because they represent a particular dream, goal, or investment that has been left unfulfilled or incomplete.
We call these items “unfinished business” or “maybe someday items.” Things that represent an ideal, aspiration or a dream that you had about the kind of person you wanted to be.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.
While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.
Join The Spark Joy Club today!
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
Learning what unfinished business looks like KonMari category by KonMari Category.
Understanding why and how unfinished business accumulates and why it’s so hard to let it go.
How the unfinished business in the Clothing category can fill your closet with things that need to be mended, tailored or ironed and what to do about it.
We revisit Ep 75 | Exploring the KonMari Book Controversy with Robin Mitchell Cranfield to discuss letting go of unread or unfinished books.
Three additional categories of paper to consider.
How hobbies and aspirational do it yourself projects can cause us to purchase supplies that are often never used or partially used. These items are classic “maybe someday” items that pile up in drawers and closets.
How to use sentimental items so that they are not just hidden in boxes and never appreciated. We encourage you to get creative and either use these items or consider why you are holding onto them.
How donations and discards are unfinished business until they are out of your home. Your tidying is not finished until things are on their way to their next life.
The importance and value of your time when deciding whether to reduce, reuse or recycle items. This can be a stumbling block toward getting things on their way.
A solution! Consider the Five D’s:
- Do
- Diminish
- Delegate
- Defer
- Delete
We all have unfinished business. It’s just a part of life!
Here are Karin’s:
Deciding about some closet storage upgrades. “I can’t decide!"
Doing some home maintenance. “There’s always something that needs to be done."
Recycling used candle jars.
And, Kristyn’s:
Photography organization project. “I’m committed to get this done in the next decade.”
Recipe compilation project. “My friends want some of my great family recipes!”
Gems:
"When your KonMari tidying journey is over, you’ll have the time, resources, and energy to pursue these passions. So, it’s important to make sure every second of that time counts by filling it with high value activities edited down to just the things you love and intended to complete in your lifetime."
"Buying craft supplies can become the hobby. Those yarn and fabric stores are so tempting!"
"It’s really ok to decide something is just not for you or maybe what you DID accomplish with a hobby was just the right amount."
"What is the point of keeping those things hidden away and could you make a different plan? What are some of the options?"
"Sometimes your unfinished business and “someday aspirations can literally stand in between you and your goal of a clutter free lifestyle."
"We’re human and it’s ok to make mistakes. We’ve all invested our time, energy, and money on things that didn’t work out for whatever reason. Trial and error is a necessary part of learning, growing and adulting."
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
48 min
January 07, 2020Ep 114 | Vision 2020: The Power of the Board with Arika Clark Alejo
Arika Clark Alejo, founder of ThriveEpic, joins us to help us vision board our way into the new year!
Our first guest of 2020 is Arika Clark Alejo. Arika’s on a mission to help people be leaders in their own lives and be happy. So, while her official title is Founder and CEO of ThriveEpic, she likes to think of herself as a Chief Happiness Officer. She spreads messages that help people thrive through being a life and leadership coach, dynamic speaker and event facilitator.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.
While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.
Join The Spark Joy Club today!
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
Arika's journey from career burn out to a coach who helps people move beyond the status quo
Why vision boarding is Arika's favorite thing to help people design
How vision boards help you align with your goals and learn more about what you have and also what you're missing
The best time of the year to create a vision board and where to start
Non-visual vision board alternatives
Arika's favorite vision board
What not to include on your vision board
How to ground your aspirations in reality
Where you should hang your vision board and when you should refresh it
How to course correct and fail forward when we veer away from our vision
What Arika has on her vision board in 2020
What sparks joy for Arika: Getting ready to prepare for her big Summit!
To connect with Arika visit thriveepic.com
Don’t forget to sign-up for Arika’s free virtual Intentional Empowerment Summit, January 31-Feb 2, 2020.
Exclusively for Spark Joy listeners Arika is also offering $100 off her 2020 retreat that will be announced soon. Contact Arika at [email protected] and mention Spark Joy.
Share your vision board with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
Gems:
"I found coaching and it changed my life. It helped me understand what it means to be a leader in my own life."
"You are a leader for yourself."
"It's really hard for things to manifest if you don't put it out there."
"Who do you want to be? What do you want to do? What do you want to have?"
"Be proud of [your vision board] and look at it with intention."
"Be proud of who you are and the dreams that you have."
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
Special Guest: Arika Clark Alejo.
30 min
December 31, 2019 Encore! Ep 85 | KonMari Approved Storage Solutions
Co-hosts Kristyn and Karin share KonMari inspired storage solutions and tools you can use to uplevel your space and honor the things you love.
We chat about how to store and organize after you’ve completed your KonMari Tidying Journey one signature clutter category at a time.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.
While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
Joy Checks
-Karin is speaking at the invitation of Eli Lily and Co. during the
ASCO International Conference
-Kristyn has committed to writing 30 blog posts in 30 days as one of her Tidy Mastermind goals. Connect via fortheloveoftidy.com to follow her progress
-Review the importance of tidying by category instead of location in Spark Joy Ep 9 | Tidying by Location is a Fatal Mistake
KonMari Storage Tips
-Organize items that spark joy so they are visible within a designated space
-Things are stored so that they are easy to put away and easy to get out
-Storage should bring you a sense of order and calm
-Reuse and repurpose wherever possible. Shop your home
-Save your bins and baskets until you’ve joy checked the very last item
-Storage is fluid
-Reduce visual clutter
KonMari Tidy Tools
-Your calendar
-The Tidy Home Joy Journal - Join The Spark Joy Club to receive your copy and exclusive access to the SJC community
-Your Vision (see Spark Joy Ep 5 | How to Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle and Living Environment
-Trash bags: Glad Large Drawstring Recycling Bags
-The Spark Joy podcast! Listen while you tidy!
-Label Remover
-Tape measure
Clothing Category Storage
-Principles of KonMari clothes hanging:
-Rise to the right
-Lighter, shorter, more delicate things on the right
-Heavy, longer, darker things toward the left
-Always, like things go together
-Hanger options:
-Velvet Hangers
-Wooden hangers
-Bins for clothing storage:
-Bins for open shelving to create drawers
-Underbed Storage
Note: Following Feng Shui principles can be done if you are so inclined, so be sure to review our episode Ep 71 | Feng Shui with Master Laura Cerrano
-Future donation bag/box
-Three closet essentials:
-Hamper
-Step Stool
-Trash Can
-Drawers for clothing storage:
-Soft Sided Boxes
-Drawer Dividers
Books Category Storage
-For a review of how to sort books head over to Spark Joy Ep 75 | Exploring the KonMari Book Controversy with Robin Mitchell
-Book Ends**
Paper Category Storage
-For a review of the three types of KonMari paper categories, go to Spark Joy
Ep 45 | KonMari Paper Category: Cutting Paper Clutter
-Tools for paper storage:
-Locking File Box
-Fun File Folders
-Label Maker
-Slice Precision Cutter
-Fireproof Box
-Virtual paper storage
-Dropbox
-GoogleDocs
-Evernote
Komono Category Storage
-Spark Joy listener Angela submitted a question about managing charging stations and office items:
“I’m starting this journey but the area that bothers me the most is how to organize an office/charging area. These both tend to lend way to the kitchen for ease of use and accessibility. We are a family of five so we have a lot of devices.
How would you suggest maintaining an area in the kitchen that could mainstream both of these purposes (paperwork and device charge/overnight storage) without cluttering the counters?”
-Cord solutions:
-Kitchen: Mesh Stackable Shelves
-Kitchen: Shelf Liners
-Kitchen: SCUBB Ikea Boxes
-Toiletries: Kristyn's favorite Soap Dispenser and Soap Refill
-Make up: Acrylic Makeup Organizer
-Holiday decor: wrapping paper holder and ornament holder
Sentimental Category Storage
-The importance of making your sentimental storage thoughtful, meaningful and safe
-Milestone Binder - Full "how to" video available with Spark Joy Club membership
-Review methods for digitizing your sentimental items in Spark Joy Ep 55 | Digitizing Sentimental Items
Gems:
-"We want you be more mindful of the things you’re keeping before jumping into finding the perfect place for your things to be stored. Stuff over storage."
-"Storage should bring you a sense of order and calm, whatever that means for you."
-"Their real joy is based on being able to see them and to acknowledge what they represent to us."
-"Is this a chance to highlight your legacy, who would be happier if I keep this?'
-"In some ways, the organizing step is really the most fun and it serves as your reward for all of the hard work joy checking and editing that will takes place in your home."
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
56 min
December 24, 2019Encore! Ep 74 | Happiness, Joy, and Order with Gretchen Rubin
Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin debuts her latest book, "Outer Order, Inner Calm," as we explore the intersection of happiness, joy and order.
Gretchen Rubin is one of the most influential writers on habits, happiness, and human nature. She’s the author of many books, including the New York Times bestsellers "Better Than Before" and "The Happiness Project" and she’s debuting her newest book, "Outer Order, Inner Calm" today!
We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.
While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.
Join The Spark Joy Club today by heading over to our website, and clicking Join The Club!
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
Gretchen's thoughts on defining happiness vs. joy
Gretchen's interview with Marie Kondo and why she gave Netflix's Tidying Up a gold star on a recent episode of the Happier podcast
Tips on tidying up while managing emotions around other's messiness
Why every office should have a Chief Clutter Officer
How your clutter comfort level is way more important than achieving perfection
Gretchen's new book "Outer Order, Inner Calm"
How to avoid fakework and makework
How to get those little things done by leaning into a power hour
The tension that comes along with "procrasticlearing"
The deeper meaning behind someday, someone-based decision making
The difference between underbuyers and overbuyers
Gretchen's favorite tidying tip: The one minute rule.
What Sparks Joy for Gretchen: The Bandoleir
To connect with Gretchen Rubin you can find her and her new book "Outer Order, Inner Calm" at gretchenrubin.com/books
Gems:
"Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it?"
"One of the worst things we can do is to do well something that we don't have to do at all."
"Things that can be done at any time are often done at no time."
"The stewing is worse than the doing."
"The best way to anticipate what's going to happen in the future is what's happened in the past."
"There's an unwillingness to accept that things are worth only what people will pay for them."
"So much of clutter really is about delaying decision making."
"The more we can decide now, the easier it gets latter."
"Anything you can do in less than one minute, do it without delay."
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
Special Guest: Gretchen Rubin.
48 min
December 17, 2019Encore! Ep 73 | How to Plan Your KonMari Tidying Journey
How to plan and organize the activities associated with tidying up. If you started to tidy, tackled clothes clothing or other categories, but quickly found other life priorities got in the way, then this is the show for you!
Tidying up KonMari style is a one-time, special event that requires consistent effort and prioritization. It’s a project. A series of steps that need to be executed in an efficient series in order to shift behaviors you may have had all of your life. So, the less glamorous or obvious first step is to PLAN your tidying event before digging too deep.
So now, we want to hear from you. Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life.
Head over to Apple podcasts to subscribe and review the show, which helps us reach others along their tidying journeys.
To extend your tidying experience, you can join the Spark Joy Club!
Visit sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Join the Club” to become a member of the Spark Joy Community or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Thanks for tuning in and we hope your day, sparks joy.
Joy Checks:
Karin loves staycations so she can indulge in her passion for the hotel room aesthetic. Here are some great hotel rooms and ways you can incorporate these ideas in your own bedroom.
Hotel Room Ideas to Use in Your Bedroom: The Contemporist
Kristyn is excited that the The Tidy Home Joy Journal is an Amazon #1 best seller across multiple categories! It’s beginning to arrive in the homes of early buyers and the reviews are amazing, 5 Stars!
You can get yours by joining The Spark Joy Club today by heading over to our website, and clicking Join The Club!
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
The question from listener Anne that prompted today’s show after listening to Episode 56: How 60 Hours of Tidying Lessons Changed One Single Mom's Life Forever
The three factors that determine the length of time of your tidying event:
The size of your home
The volume of your clutter
The anticipated pace of your decision-making
How a KonMari Consultant can help in this process as we discussed in Spark Joy Episode 49: Why Hire a KonMari Consultant?
Factors that slow down, or speed up your tidying event
How to make tidying a short-term priority in order to gain from the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up!
Confronting your calendar to get your priorities and values in order
The suggested length of time for each tidying appointment, the length of time in between tidying appointments, and the length of time the entire process should take according to our experience and best practices
The benefit of a little urgency in the process. As we discussed in Spark Joy Ep 68 | Behind the Scenes: Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" with Tricia Fidler and Jane Grodem something like a reality show can help move the process into overdrive!
How the 5 D’s: delegate, delete, defer, delay, or diminish, we learned about in Ep 16 | Stress Free Holiday Joy with Amanda Jefferson can help you plan your tidying event
What contributes to KonMari Fatigue and how to overcome it
Gems:
"The average American home has over 300,000 items."
"It can take anywhere from 15 to 30+ hours, but not all at once!"
"Make it a priority for the short-term in order to make true change in the long-term."
"Plan your work and work your plan!"
"This will require you to temporarily delegate, delete, defer, delay, or diminish some of the priorities filling up your calendar."
"KonMari Fatigue can reduce focus and limit your best ability Joy Check items."
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
37 min
December 10, 2019Encore! Ep 67 | Review of Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo"
[SPOILERS INCLUDED] We review the premiere of Netflix's original series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo," covering episodes that sparked joy and sharing thoughts on the show from the KonMari Consultant perspective.
“Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” officially premiered on Netflix New Year’s day. Millions are watching around the world. Tidying Up is taking over Netflix at the top of year and many are getting acquainted with KonMari and falling in love with Marie Kondo. We are very pleased with show and with the response!
Joy Checks:
Karin's sleep tracker! Here are the apps she is using:
AutoSleep and SleepWatch
Kristyn's New Year resolution inspired by Episode 66: The Art of Manifesting and the Harmony Within with Laura Kessler- wake up at the same time every morning
SPOILER ALERT! We recommend you stop listening or reading and head over to Netflix to check out Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
An overview of "Tidying Up"
The debut moment
Feedback from viewers and fans
What we learned about Marie Kondo
Our thoughts on what sparked joy about the show from our perspective and hopes for a Season 2
A review of episodes:
Empty Nesters
The Downsizers
Sparking Joy After Loss
From Students to Improvements
The reality of reality TV
Episode 25: KonMari Myths and Missteps
Episode 13: Does it spark joy?
How to tell if it's time to hire a professional to help you tidy up and find joy (see Spark Joy Episode 33: How to Become a KonMari Consultant)
Gems:
"Marie Kondo has officially experienced, in America, the biggest pile of clutter ever," #mountwendy
"You didn't get to your level of clutter overnight and it's not going to be resolved over night."
"Everyone, now is going to be greeting and thanking and appreciating their home."
"Maybe it will be launched on New Years day every year?!"
"KonMari never says 'this is what should spark joy.' It's much more about how the spark of joy feels."
"Please do not ever feel that you have to suffer in silence. There is help."
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
48 min
December 03, 2019Ep 113 | Best of 2019: Joyful Show Highlights + Giveaway WINNERS
Welcome to the 2019 Spark Joy highlights show! Thank you again for listening and we're looking forward to sparking more joy in 2020!
We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.
While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoy_podcast.
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
-What's Sparking Joy for Karin: A productive stay-cation in Atlantic City.
-What's Sparking Joy for Kristyn: Hitting the milestone of 80 tidying related speaking engagements over the last three years.
-Best of 2019 Highlights. Hear clips from our favorite, and most impactful shows, of 2019:
Ep 68 | Behind the Scenes: Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" with Tricia Fidler and Jane Grodem
Ep 71 | Feng Shui with Master Feng Shui Expert Laura Cerrano
Ep 74 | Happiness, Joy, and Order with Gretchen Rubin
Ep 86 | KonMari Your Friends and Relationships with Vanessa Van Edwards
-Spark Joy Giveaway Winners! Usernames
kellyconfusion
shen valley listener
easzymc
joyy66
gadgetgirlCA
BAMR
CONGRATULATIONS to all our winners!
If you are one of our lucky winners, you'll be receiving an email from us soon.
New episodes will resume January 7, 2020. Until then, we'll be sharing encores of our most popular episodes of 2019.
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
39 min
November 26, 2019Ep 112 | KonMari Quick Tips: Mindful Shopping and Gift Giving
Today’s Quick Tips episode will prepare you for the busiest shopping days of the year by shifting your focus on mindful shopping and gift giving.
Before listening to this mindful shopping and gift giving episode, please note, this one may not apply to you this season.
If you are actively managing your finances and shopping habits, head over to Spark Joy Episode 31 with Dr. Benson, as an alternative. In that episode we explore the intersection of KonMari and shopping. In the show notes, Dr. Benson shares a great quiz that can help you flag any unhealthy shopping behaviors that could be weighing you down.
KonMari Quick Tips:
Ask yourself the following question before you make your next purchase:
Why am I here?
How do I feel?
Do I need this?
Can I wait?
How will I pay for it?
Where will I put it?
Step 1: Have a vision and refer to it regularly.
Step 2: Shop your home first.
Step 3: Be present when buying presents. Recommended Gift: Spark Joy Club Membership!
Step 4: Buy nothing.
Step 5: Have fun!
Kristyn's Shopping List:
Waterproof Winter Boots
Bullet Journal Related Supplies
Favorite Underwear
Advent Calendar
Official Hamilton Ornament
Wooden Watch with engraving
Cross It Off Weekend
Grazing Board Workshop
Trips to VA and TX
Karin's Shopping List:
Bathroom Renovation Project
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions in NYC!
We are pleased to introduce the following new members of The Spark Joy Club, joining at the Joy Sparker level:
Welcome!
Kadra Pixton
Paige Allen
Jen Kobrick
Laura Panopolous
We continue to welcome our listeners who are serious about extending the conversation around taking action, living, and maintaining a tidy lifestyle. Please join the conversation by visiting sparkjoypodcast.com and selecting Join the Club
And don’t forget to enter our Anniversary Giveaway!
As announced during Spark Joy episode 100, we have KonMari-themed gifts ready for you to claim by entering into our giveaway, celebrating our two-year anniversary.
The prizes include:
• Marie Kondo’s tidying sequel, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by the Queen herself
• A Virtual KonMari Tidying Lesson provided on behalf of For the Love of Tidy
• An honorary membership to the Spark Joy Club at the coveted Joy Sparker level!
• And finally, a copy Marie Kondo’s highly anticipated new children’ s book, Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship, which will be officially released later this year.
Head over to sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for instructions on how to leave a star rating and written review on iTunes.
Then, shoot an email to [email protected] with your username for a chance to win one of six prices we have for our listeners this year.
You have until November 26 to enter and we’ll announce our winners during our “Best of” show on December 3.
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
15 min
November 19, 2019Ep 111 | Holiday Entertaining Tips That Spark Joy with Christina Lustig
Christina Lustig, Founder & Lead Planner of To The Nines Events, joins us to explore tips for sparking joy when it comes to holiday entertaining.
Originally from a suburb of Detroit, Christina spent 7 years in NYC working in fashion, a year in Boston and now lives in Chicago's Wicker Park with her husband, John, and dog, Drake. Christina lives basically in spreadsheets, on blogs, Pinterest, and the phone when it comes to planning her clients' big days
REMINDER
Don’t forget you have until November 26 to enter our Spark Joy Giveaway.
We’ll announce our winners during our “Best of” show on December 3.
Head over to sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for instructions on how to leave a star rating and written review on iTunes.
Then, shoot an email to [email protected] with your username for a chance to win one of 6 coveted KonMari-themed prizes that spark joy in celebration of our two-year anniversary.
Thanks again for your support!
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
Christina's path to "eventification"
Tips on avoiding stress and choosing joy when preparing for the holidays
Christina's love of simplified listmaking (a strategy that is also featured in Spark Joy Episode 107)
Our favorite gifts for hosts and gift list making strategies
The essential components of a great holiday event:
A great scent
An inclusive playlist
Fun interactive touches
How to be a great guest!
RSVP promptly
Join in on the fun
Ask how you can lend a hand or if you can bring anything
Bring a host gift as a nice gesture (here's an example: Kristyn's favorite host gift)
Include a thank you card with a mindful gifting message: "If this gift does not spark joy in any way, please feel free to let it go with gratitude and a "thank you."
Christina's plans to enjoy her first Christmas in Chicago
Christina's favorite tidying tip:
Pencil and paper. Writing things down and labeling.
What's sparking the most joy for Christina:
The turn of the season and excitement about the holidays!
You can find Christina on Instagram @totheninesevents and totheninesevents.com
Mention “SPARK JOY” if interested in working with To The Nines Events to receive 10% off any planning package of your choice.
Gems:
"Whether it's your gift list, decorating your home, or planning your holiday party, you really need to start early."
"Have faith over fear. You can do it!"
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
Special Guest: Christina Lustig.
30 min
November 12, 2019Ep 110 | Modern Frugality with Jennifer Smith
Jen Smith author and creator of modernfrugality.com explores how to follow your journey to paying off debt and reaching other big financial goals.
Jen Smith co-hosts the Frugal Friends Podcast and author of Amazon best-selling book, "The No-Spend Challenge Guide" and latest book "Pay Off Your Debt for Good."
REMINDER
Don’t forget you have until November 26 to enter our Spark Joy Giveaway.
We’ll announce our winners during our “Best of” show on December 3.
Head over to sparkjoypodcast.com/reviews for instructions on how to leave a star rating and written review on iTunes.
Then, shoot an email to [email protected] with your username for a chance to win one of 6 coveted KonMari-themed prizes that spark joy in celebration of our two-year anniversary.
Thanks again for your support!
In this episode, you’ll enjoy:
Learn more about the ideas behind frugality and debt management including the Financial Independence or FI movement.
The philosophy behind Modern Frugality
The growth of the Modern Frugality platform and movement
It’s not about being cheap!
Learn about the Four Pillars of Modern Frugality:
-Value based spending
-Minimalism focused
-Environmentally friendly
-Simpler and cleaner
Learn about Jen’s KonMari journey and what she and her husband learned along the way
Why Jen is a big fan of KonMari folding
The importance of focusing on the Big Four of expenditures: housing, transportation, bills and food. Focusing on these big expenditures and making changes will make a bigger difference in getting rid of debt than cutting back on small things that you love, things that Spark Joy!
Be sure to check out Ep 6 | Declutter Your Path to Wealth with Tess Wicks and Ep 58 | KonMari + Financial Freedom with House of FI for more ideas finance and debt management
Jennifer’s favorite tidying tip for people wanting to live a life of modern frugality:
“Clear your surfaces. If you can clear your coffee table, your TV stands… your cloud of clutter will begin to lift.”
What is sparking the most joy for Jen:
“I’m a new mom and watching my husband become a dad has really warmed my heart.”
Parting words of wisdom:
“Find the brand of financial freedom that works for you.”
You can find Jen at modernfrugality.com
She’s on Facebook and Instagram at @ModernFrugality
Her podcast can be found here: The Frugal Friends Podcast
and you can grab a copy of her book on Amazon: The No-Spend Challenge Guide: How to Stop Spending Money Impulsively, Pay off Debt Fast, & Make Your Finances Fit Your Dreams
For Spark Joy Podcast listeners, go to modernfrugality.com/debtfreeworkbook and get the free workbook that walks you through each activity in her new book, "Pay Off Your Debt for Good".
Gems:
“Having control over your spending and having the confidence that you are spending money on only the things that you WANT to be spending your money on.”
“Learning a little bit about everything and finding what works for you. The radical middle!”
“If you try it for just a little while, you will be surprised at the things you learn about yourself. And I think that in itself if work the practice.”
“I follow "values-based spending" which is essentially spending without guilt on things that spark joy and eliminating or lowering spending on everything else.”
“So many things came to light while we were paying down our debt, I wanted to write a book about it.”
You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy
Special Guest: Jennifer Smith.
33 min

About Spark Joy

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Spark Joy, co-hosted by certified KonMari Consultants Kristyn Ivey and Karin Socci. Spark Joy is the podcast dedicated to celebrating the KonMari Method and the transformative power of…

Share Spark Joy

Sign up to save your podcasts

Spark Joy

Spark Joy episodes

About Spark Joy