PODCAST · education
Chic to be cheap
by Maddy and Jacqui
Hiiiiiiii and welcome to Chic to be cheap, the podcast where we make being thrifty trendy again! Join us, Maddy and Jacqui, two young mums on a journey to discover the joys of living within our means and thinking second-hand. In each episode, we'll share practical tips on saving money without sacrificing style, hilarious stories, and debates on where to spend and splurge.Follow us on Instagram @chictobecheap and use #chictobecheap to share your own thrifty tips and stories.Just a reminder, we’re not financial advisors, so this podcast is for entertainment purposes only.
Episodes
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S2 E19: We went on hiatus...inflation did not.
We said we’d be back after Christmas… and then four months disappeared. Not intentionally... life just moved quickly. A new project popped up for us, we got busy, and before we knew it the podcast kept getting pushed to “next week”. But lately it feels like everywhere you look there’s something…
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The Christmas ep
It’s our Christmas ep, Chic skates, the last one for the year (with a little IRL bonus coming your way soon 🎁). This week we kick things off exactly how you’d expect from us: off-key carols, childhood nostalgia and Maddy getting completely rage-baited by a rogue baking influencer. Then we dive...
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S2 E17: Stop doing this to your teeth (please) W/ Dr Brodie Hawker
This week we’re joined by dentist and mum of two, Dr Brodie Hawker, and she does not hold back. Within minutes she’s telling us: “Just floss your goddamn teeth,” and “Lemon water every day will literally melt your enamel.” In this episode we get into: Why tap water with fluoride has quietly saved...
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S2 E16: The Aldi adventure that broke us & mining waste
This week on Chic to Be Cheap, Jac takes on Aldi with a baby and a toddler — a mission she may never attempt again. From trolley tantrums to checkout chaos, it’s a masterclass in trying to save money while surviving motherhood. Mad shares a chaotic story about planning a pub dinner that never...
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S2 E15: Caravan life, laundromat drama and school debates
This week Jac is back from the outback with all the hacks for surviving 2.5 weeks in a caravan with three kids and red dirt everywhere. She tells a hilarious laundromat story and reacts to something that might seem small… or maybe it’s not. Mad chimes in with her usual loopy thoughts and we want…
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S2 E14: Feat. Lydia Watson 'Lending with Lyds'
In a cost-of-living crisis, it can feel impossible to get your foot on the property ladder—but mortgage broker Lydia Watson, aka Lending with Lyds, is here to say: yes, you can still make it happen. She shares real, actionable advice on setting goals, making smart sacrifices and using new...
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S2 E13: Break your arm, not your budget.
Mad sticks to her curious nature and dives into the Aldi version of everyone’s new favourite drink, Sodaly. It’s cheaper, but do the ingredients actually stack up against the original? Jac shares her Seaworld adventure and stay at Nara Resort, then takes us back to the 2000s with a hilarious…
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S2 E12: Marketplace Mayhem: Live From Maddy’s House
This week on Chic to be Cheap, Jac raises the big question: are chocolate digestives just for old people with diabetes? Maddy shares a heartfelt, sentimental message that gets met with nothing more than a thumbs up reaction — and we unpack how that really feels. The girls also dive into...
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S2 E11: Would you rather… but make It unhinged
This week, the search is finally over - Jac has tracked down an item she’s been hunting for forever. Mad puts Jac through a brand new game of “Would You Rather” that quickly goes completely off the rails (yes, dirty dish water is involved). Jac shares her weekly win and loss, Mad spills on her...
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S2 E 10: Robo vacs, IGA and a personality test
Maddy’s household has made a bold new investment… a robo vac. Is it life changing or just another lazy gadget? She gives the honest run down. Meanwhile, Jac’s been thinking - have we given IGA the cold shoulder? We reckon it’s time to show them some love, especially for our rural listeners. IGA...
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S2 E9: What's coming next?
In this week’s ep, we’re catching up on all the things. We unpack the party, give a few life updates, and debrief on how popular our last episode with Sam from Glower. Clearly, you love a guest—so we chat about who we’d love to have on next and want to hear your picks too. Jac reveals she’s been...
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S2 E8: Feat. Sam Jeffery, Founding Director of Glower
In this episode we’re joined by Maddy’s brother Sam, who’s also the founder and CEO of Glower, a business that helps everyday Aussies cut their energy bills by switching to smarter, more efficient systems. If your gas or electricity bill has suddenly jumped and you have no idea why, this is the...
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S2 E7: Where’s the Bluey shirt, Jac? + a very difficult but important conversation <3
This week we go full detective as Jac tries to track down her daughter’s mysteriously vanished (and not-so-cheap) Bluey shirt. Is it lost forever? Was it borrowed? Did someone tuck it in a very secret place? Meanwhile, Jac cancels Maddy off something. What is it, and how does she take it? But…
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S2 E6: One touch and it all falls down
You know those tiny moments that set mums off? Like touching one item in a store and the whole rack collapses? Yep—Mad and Jac are talking mum triggers this week. Meanwhile, Jac records mid-chaos with a pom-pom-wielding 3-year-old running circles around her (literally). Even with that going on…
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S2 E5: Old receipts, new rage
This week on Chic to Be Cheap, Jac and Madd talk about the underrated power of a library card and why you probably don’t need to keep buying books. Madd shares a Coles receipt from 20 years ago that’s doing the rounds online, and the price comparisons are wild. $1.69 for peanut butter? You’ll…
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S2 E4: Extreme cheapskates & midnight caravan mayhem
This week on Chic to Be Cheap, Jac takes us down the rabbit hole of Extreme Cheapskates and we’re still recovering. From showering fully clothed to save water (and then using it to flush the toilet??), we unpack some of the most outrageous things people do in the name of saving a dollar. We’re...
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S2 E3: The obsession with newness
Mad's fired up about crowds queuing for stores already online. We unpack the obsession with newness, retail therapy, and why activewear still dominates our spending. Jac ties it all back to a Yellowstone spin-off insta video (fridge sales, anyone?). We’re talking consumerism, overconsumption, and...
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S2 E2: You paid WHATTT?!
Jac and Mad are finally back in real life —and of course, it’s complete chaos (with baby Tommy making a guest appearance!). We try to decode Gen Z slang and quickly realise we’ve aged out of the “Rizz” generation. Plus, we introduce our new segment: You paid whattt?! Prepare for unfiltered…
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S2 E1: We’re back, baby (literally!)
Chic Skates, we’re back — and with a baby in tow! Welcome to Season 2 of Chic to Be Cheap. During the break, we welcomed Jacqui’s third little bub, and in this episode, we share all about the arrival and what life’s been like since. We also catch up on a few funny stories from the break… mostly...
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40: Almost a year of Chic to be Cheap!
We’re this close to hitting a year of podcasting! In this episode, Mads shares a hot tip (and a reminder to always use it): Bunnings beats prices by 10%—yes, even on plants! So next time, make sure you’re getting the best deal. Meanwhile, Jac has finally joined the Aldi bandwagon! She put it to…
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39: Cyclone chaos & Dreamworld drama
Mads battles through a cold (apologies for the shaky voice!), while Jac unpacks the confusion surrounding Cyclone Alfred—will it hit? Is school in or out? No one seems to know! Jac also shares her big splurge of the weekend: a trip to Dreamworld. Inflation is real, folks! But the real drama...
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38: Migraines and opulence
Mad takes Jac (and chicskates) on a ride through her migraine journey—but Jac’s a little concerned because, wasn’t she just deep in her microplastics journey too?! Meanwhile, Jac is questioning if slowing down in life is the move and whether ‘opulence’ and nice things were ever really the goal……
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37: Home loans & rate cuts: Expert tips from Dan Pertot
This week, we’re mixing it up with a special guest—Jac’s brother, Dan Pertot! Not only is he family, but he’s also been in the finance and property investment game for 10 years, making him the perfect person to break down what the RBA’s first rate cut in ages means for you. We tackle big…
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36: I bought a kids’ book from Marketplace… and OMG!
🎧 Episode 36 ofChic to be Cheap is a wild ride! Maddy cracks open a kids' book she snagged on Marketplace—published 24 years ago—and let’s just say, these poems wouldnever make the cut today. They’re so bad, they’ll have you gasping… and laughing. 🍳 Is it true that you can now cook from home…
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35: Travis Barker’s crash, car care hacks & lunchbox dramas
We’re back with another episode of Chic to be Cheap, and you know we love a good celeb chat! This week, we take a blast-from-the-past deep dive into Travis Barker’s harrowing plane crash story—without getting too grim, of course. Jac shares some smart ways to save on car care costs (and no, we...
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34: Lego limbo and Bertie Bott Beans
Jac found herself elbow deep in her son’s Lego box, and Maddy needed a minute (or ten) to recover from laughing. We also chat about the emotional rollercoaster of his first day at big school—cue the proud mum feels. We take a nostalgic detour with Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans (where are our...
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33: Microplastics, baby wipes and budget realities
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,...
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32: What's a tight arse?
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.…
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31: Chic to be space savers?!?
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...
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30: Fake roosters and New Year resos (IRL ep)
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...
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29: Chicskates
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...
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28: Bluey’s World, Spotify wrapped and Dino chats
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...
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27: Christmas unwrapped: traditions and teachers gifts?
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...
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26: A longer than expected break, Black Friday madness and a big life update!!
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...
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25: Smoke signals and a sweet tooth
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…
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24: Episode 25, but actually it's 24.
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…
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23: Can yap!
It's our lucky episode—Jacqui explains why! We dive into some hilarious parenting fails and try to figure out what kind of parents we really are (spoiler: definitely not the "gentle" kind). Jacqui also shares her best money-saving hack yet and debuts a brand-new segment, DOT-W. Stay tuned till…
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22: Dinner hacks & pricey mistakes
Join us on this week's episode of Chic to be Cheap as Jacqui shares her favorite dinner hacks to save time and money. Maddy confesses to a costly slip-up—when she didn't follow her own advice—and reminds us of big retailers who price match or beat deals. We wrap up with our classic game, Skimp or...
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21: IRL episode
We’re back recording together in real life for the second time, and the vibes are even better! In this episode, Jacqui spills a confession, only to be shocked when Maddy admits she’s done the exact same thing. We also chat about renting dresses for special occasions instead of buying, and how to...
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20: Jac's back!!!!
Jac is back, and she's got some stories to tell! We catch up on what she missed from last week's wedding episode, including a big update about the end of a 20-year relationship… with something surprising! Plus, we dive into a fun and fierce game of "Skimp or Splurge," where we decide which...
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19: Wedding budget – splurges, regrets, lessons learned
In this episode, we’re unpacking all things wedding budgets! Jac and Maddy dive into their own wedding experiences—breaking down what they spent, what they regret splurging on, and the things they’re happy they invested in. Jac makes it through the first 10 minutes before mum duties call (hello,...
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18: Christmas shopping already? Yep!
In this episode of Chic to Be Cheap, we dive into all the best sales leading up to Christmas and why it's smart to start your shopping early—especially if you're hunting for secondhand gems! We share tips on how to give yourself time to research those thrift finds without the last-minute rush....
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17: Wild weather and Astrology vibes
In this episode of Chic to be Cheap, Maddy dives into the recent wild weather event that's wreaked havoc in her neighborhood, including the costly chaos caused by a fallen tree. She also shares a fun astrology chat, explores Jacqui's latest Marketplace sales adventures, and throws in plenty of...
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16: Travel Agents rule! Get inspired beyond Bali and Fiji
This episode takes an unexpected turn when our special guest, Kaitlyn Jensen, has a surprising bone to pick with Maddy. Kaitlyn, a travel agent with 10 years of experience and 34 countries under her belt, shares her expert advice on budget-friendly travel options. Beyond the usual spots like Bali...
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15: Book week, budget Father’s Day & Lululemon dupe review
This week, we’re talking about the stress of pulling together Book Week costumes and why it really should just be Book Day. We also share clever, budget-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas and Maddy reviews the latest Lululemon Align leggings dupes. Join us for tips, laughs, and a whole lot of real...
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14: Discounts you didn't know you had
In this episode, we dive into the treasure trove of discounts hiding in plain sight within your existing memberships—think RACV/Q, insurance programs, and more. Why do these perks often feel too overwhelming to use?. Plus, we chat about Raygun’s shot at the Olympics, get crafty with empty toilet...
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13: Underconsumption Core & Jacqui's cringe moment
In this bonus episode, we're making up for Thursday's missed show with a quick dive into the latest TikTok trend—Underconsumption Core. We weigh in and give our honest thoughts. Plus, Jacqui shares a hilariously embarrassing story about being overheard at the worst possible moment. Tune in for a...
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12: Timeless frugality - Wisdom from our Mums and Gran
In this special episode we sit down with our mums and grandmas to uncover how they mastered living frugally without today's modern conveniences. From cleaning with lemons to a life without dishwashers, their stories reveal a time when 'new' wasn't necessary, social media didn't dictate desires…
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11: MSN & two piles of dirt
In this laugh-out-loud episode, we dive into the nostalgia of our teenage years by sharing our most embarrassing email addresses – prepare to cringe and chuckle! We also recommend two essential "piles of dirt" (you'll have to listen to find out!) that every mum needs to take a break and recharge....
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10: Fuel hacks and sewing tips - Our first in-person episode!
Join us for our first-ever in-person episode! We share practical fuel-saving tips, Jacqui's gives us some Winter veggie growing inspo and Maddy tells the story of how she saved her neighbours life. We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and discuss the lost art of mending clothes. Plus, we...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hiiiiiiii and welcome to Chic to be cheap, the podcast where we make being thrifty trendy again! Join us, Maddy and Jacqui, two young mums on a journey to discover the joys of living within our means and thinking second-hand. In each episode, we'll share practical tips on saving money without sacrificing style, hilarious stories, and debates on where to spend and splurge.Follow us on Instagram @chictobecheap and use #chictobecheap to share your own thrifty tips and stories.Just a reminder, we’re not financial advisors, so this podcast is for entertainment purposes only.
HOSTED BY
Maddy and Jacqui
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Chic to be cheap have?
Chic to be cheap currently has 59 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Chic to be cheap about?
Hiiiiiiii and welcome to Chic to be cheap, the podcast where we make being thrifty trendy again! Join us, Maddy and Jacqui, two young mums on a journey to discover the joys of living within our means and thinking second-hand. In each episode, we'll share practical tips on saving money without...
How often does Chic to be cheap release new episodes?
Chic to be cheap has 59 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Chic to be cheap?
You can listen to Chic to be cheap on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Chic to be cheap?
Chic to be cheap is created and hosted by Maddy and Jacqui.
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