The Frug Life

Ricky Hirschi
  • 5.0 (145)
  • Business
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to the Frug Life, a podcast on Frugal living and business. There are a lot of business podcasts and a lot of frugal living podcasts, why does the world need another one? Well, I am tired of the same interview format podcast many of these programs take. So instead, I created a structured podcast where I can share my thoughts about Frugal living, the economy, and business. Also follow us at https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife

  1. 16h ago

    A short update and Fatherhood

    A Short Update: Paternity Leave, Projects, and What’s Next Ricky shares why this month won’t have a scripted episode, which was an recent incident discused on Ricky Rambles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/307pXGCoG5Si4jwf70VfqI?si=1NBoa-paTl-BKWYprT5ZSQ As a warning, it isn't typical fun episode of the show. Ricky also reflects on balancing new parenthood with creative projects, and previews what’s coming next. Listeners also get updates on a future money-journey episode, a new book, and The Iced Frugal Hour with Jackie. The first half of paternity leave was productive, but taking on too many projects made it harder to focus.A future episode will take a closer look at listeners’ money journeys and material covered in the host’s book.The host is also working on another book, with a draft potentially coming soon.The Iced Frugal Hour with Jackie recently covered “five to nines,” or side hustles.A listener survey may be coming, and the host still plans to take a previous survey winner out for lunch.Listeners can suggest topics for The Frug Life or The Iced Frugal Hour.Timestamps00:00 - Why this month’s episode is an informal update00:26 - Paternity leave, motivation, and too many projects01:38 - A future episode about your money journey02:01 - The Iced Frugal Hour with Jackie02:40 - Listener survey plans and life with a new baby03:08 - Another book in the works03:29 - Send in ideas for future show topics03:58 - The Iced Frugal Hour on side hustles

  2. Sep 8

    Investing for Children: Tax-Advantaged Accounts and Financial Aid

    This episode features Stephen Dissette Investment Advisor Representative with Horter Investment Management https://www.stephenddissetteandassociates.com/ About Stephen Dissette: Stephen Dissette is an investment advisor representative with Horter Investment Management. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and served as an officer in the United States Navy. As a young boy, Stephen watched his grandfather work until his final days, unable to retire. His father also had to work into his 70's. This personal experience ignited Stephen's passion and desire to help guide pre-retirees and retirees towards their preferred financial future. Ricky introduces a conversation with Steven Dissette about saving and investing for children in an environment of higher inflation and rising education costs. The episode focuses on tax-advantaged accounts, including 529 plans and Coverdell accounts, as well as how account ownership can affect future financial aid eligibility.In this episode: Why investment returns need to outpace inflation to preserve future purchasing power.How college costs may be experiencing higher inflation than the broader economy.The role of 529 plans and Coverdell accounts in tax-advantaged education savings.Ricky’s experience trying to establish a new Trump account for his son, including the roadblocks he encountered.The difference between parent-owned and child-owned assets.Why ownership matters when a student completes the FAFSA and applies for federal financial aid.How the same $10,000 balance can have a different aid impact depending on whether it belongs to the parent or the student.A preview of a future episode covering contribution limits, account rules, and differences between education savings options.Timestamps:00:00 - Introducing Steven Deset and the topic of investing for children00:23 - Why higher inflation changes long-term investing decisions01:16 - The challenge of rising college costs and preserving purchasing power01:45 - Why education investing is increasingly important02:10 - 529 plans and Coverdell accounts explained at a high level02:38 - Ricky’s attempt to open a Trump account for his son03:40 - Comparing parent-owned and child-owned investment assets04:17 - How asset ownership affects FAFSA and financial aid04:47 - Transitioning to Steven’s discussion

  3. Aug 6

    HSA vs FSA

    In this episode, Ricky breaks down the difference between Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in a simple, practical way. He explains when each account is useful, how they affect your taxes, and why they can be valuable parts of a personal finance strategy.What you’ll learn What FSAs and HSAs areHow FSAs and HSAs differWhy an HSA can be especially powerful for long-term savingsWhen an FSA might make sense for youA few common rules and quirks to know before choosing oneFSAs are usually “use it or lose it” accounts.Contributions come out of your paycheck and lower your taxable income.You generally need to spend the money during the year or you lose it.Some employers may contribute money to your FSA.FSAs can sometimes be used for specific purposes like dental or vision expenses.HSAs require a high-deductible health plan.High-deductible plans usually have lower monthly premiums, but you pay more out of pocket before insurance kicks in.HSAs offer a “triple tax advantage”:HSA funds can often be invested and left to grow over time.Unlike an FSA, HSA funds do not have to be spent each year.After age 65, HSA withdrawals can be taken for any purpose without penalty, though ordinary income tax may apply.Ricky’s book: Your Money JourneyKey takeawaysFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)Why this mattersRicky explains that HSAs can be especially useful for healthy people who want to save and invest for future healthcare costs, while FSAs can be a smart choice for predictable expenses like dental or vision care.Personal exampleRicky shares that his employer contributes to his HSA, and he also uses a dental FSA because he expects dental expenses during the year. He also notes that some FSA funds can sometimes be used for eye care.Final reminderThis episode is meant to be educational, not financial advice. As Ricky says, he’s a CPA, but not your CPA.Mentioned in this episode

  4. Jul 7

    The Psychology of Frugal Living

    Why Knowing Isn’t Doing: The Real Frugal Living ProblemIn this episode of The Frug Life, Ricky explores a common personal finance mystery: why do so many people know what they should do with money, yet still struggle to follow through? The answer, according to the episode, isn’t a lack of information — it’s behavior. From present bias to mental accounting to lifestyle creep, the discussion breaks down the psychological patterns that keep people from making frugal choices consistently.In this episode, Ricky digs into the gap between financial knowledge and financial action. He explains why most people already know the basics — spend less than you earn, save for retirement, avoid debt — but still struggle to actually do them.The episode highlights several behavioral forces that make frugal living difficult: Present bias: preferring rewards now over benefits laterMental accounting: treating money differently depending on where it came fromLifestyle creep: spending rises as income risesSocial comparison: measuring spending against the people around usSelf-attribution bias: crediting wins to skill and blaming losses on outside forcesRicky also reflects on the role of automation and systems, arguing that the best financial habits are the ones that make the easy choice the right choice. Along the way, he reacts to an AI-written draft of the episode and uses it to sharpen his own perspective on money, budgeting, and behavior.This episode is a thoughtful, self-aware look at why frugality is less about willpower and more about designing a life that supports better choices.- Why financial knowledge alone usually isn’t enough- How present bias makes saving feel harder than spending- The hidden danger of lifestyle creep- Why automation can reduce decision fatigue- How systems beat willpower in personal financeIf this episode helped reframe your thinking about money, share it with someone who is trying to build better financial habits.

  5. May 5

    Crosspost: The Iced Frugal Hour Week 4

    Crossposting the 4th episode on my new Podcast, The Iced Frugal Hour In this episode of The Iced Frugal Hour, Ricky and Jackie explore the often overlooked realities of inflation rates, the rapid rise of AI and its implications for society, and the questionable use of emerging technology in everyday life. Tune in for a spirited discussion that breaks down complex topics into relatable insights, with practical takeaways on how these trends affect you. https://open.spotify.com/show/1RAXoL0fdw962adrcm453r

  6. May 5

    Federal Reserve’s Interest Rates and You, Featuring Frank Clement

    Ever hear headlines about the Federal Reserve and tune them out? Those abstract percentages dictate the flow of your daily financial life. In this featured segment, Frank Clement, VP of Strategic Partnerships at America's Christian Credit Union, takes over the mic to break down what the Fed actually does—and why it matters for your wallet. Frank demystifies how the federal funds rate creates a ripple effect across the entire economy, shifting everything from your savings account yield to the cost of canned tuna. What you'll learn in this 10-minute segment: For Borrowers: How a shifting rate cycle can quietly add $700+ to a standard monthly mortgage payment. For Savers: Why high interest rates are the ultimate opportunity to lock in solid CD yields and build a cash cushion. For Ministries: How changing rate environments impact stewardship and the viability of church building projects. Connect with our guest: Take control of your financial stewardship at americaschristiancu.com. Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

  7. Apr 7

    Side Hustles

    This is a special episode featuring two guests on side hustles. Guest one, Sasha: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFrugalFriend Website: https://yourfrugalfriendblog.com/ Guest two, Kevin: Website: https://kccapital.co.uk/ Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

  8. Mar 8

    The Stoic

    I talk about stoicism and share some exciting news. Want more Frugal Content? Follow me on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefruglife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_frug_life_podcast Or sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.thefruglife.com/p/join.html  Get a free stock when you sign up for WeBull and deposit $100. Use my link below: https://act.webull.com/i/TwIJ8klybvIo

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About

Welcome to the Frug Life, a podcast on Frugal living and business. There are a lot of business podcasts and a lot of frugal living podcasts, why does the world need another one? Well, I am tired of the same interview format podcast many of these programs take. So instead, I created a structured podcast where I can share my thoughts about Frugal living, the economy, and business. Also follow us at https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugLife

Information

  • Creator
    Ricky Hirschi
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 027922
  • Show Website
    The Frug Life