Episode 45: Finding Freedom Through Frugality with Serina Bird

Have you ever felt like the cost of living is rising faster than your income—and wondered how anyone is managing to get ahead right now? In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Serina Bird—also known as The Joyful Frugalista—who’s built a multimillion-dollar portfolio through intentional frugal living and smart investing. She’s the author of The Joyful Frugalista and How To Pay Your Mortgage Off in 10 Years (a finalist in the 2024 Australian Business Book Awards), and she’s the host of the Joyful Frugalista podcast. Serina proves that frugality doesn’t mean going without—it means being values-aligned, community-focused, and intentional with your money. Her approach really resonated with me, especially her belief that true wealth isn’t just financial, but emotional, spiritual, and communal. We also explored the mindset behind money goals, the impact of wage stagnation, and how mindful living can bring true abundance. Serina’s wisdom comes not only from her financial success but also from her personal journey of resilience and empowerment, making her insights even more powerful. Key Episode Takeaways: Why wage stagnation and housing affordability are prompting more people to explore creative investing and frugal living How frugality is becoming a mindful, sustainable lifestyle—and the surprising benefits of Serina’s Buy Nothing challenges How Serina uses clear financial goals to build not just security, but well-being Why community, emotional wealth, and spiritual abundance are just as important as money when it comes to living a rich life. Show Resources: Follow Serina on Instagram - HERE Follow Serina on Facebook - HERE Check out the Joyful Frugalista website - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE Check Out Emma's Book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE About the Guest: Serina Bird is a proud frugalista who has amassed a muti-million dollar portfolio through frugal living and sound investing. She is the author of several books including The Joyful Frugalista and How To Pay Your Mortgage Off in 10 Years (which was a finalist in the 2024 Australian Business Book Awards). Serina is host of The Joyful Frugalista. As a little side note, it’s been a full circle moment for me personally: Worthy & Wealthy—my own book—is now a best-seller in the Budgeting and Money Management categories on Amazon, a space that both Serina and I deeply care about. It’s incredible to be part of this conversation on creating true, lasting wealth. Serina’s wisdom comes not only from her financial success but also from her personal journey of resilience and empowerment, making her insights even more powerful. This podcast episode is packed with practical wisdom and uplifting insights—perfect if you’re looking to reframe your mindset and create true abundance, no matter what’s happening in the economy. If you LOVED the episode, be sure to share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @thejoyfulfrugalista! Yours in being joyfully frugal, Emma. X.