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 happened (thanks to a missing car) and how homemade mac and cheese nearly broke her spirit — and her budget.
Jac also dives into the Landline episode on Bega, unpacking how the story focused not on mining waste from the ground, but on the waste already above it — the metals and materials we throw away in old technology. It’s a smart take on how Bega is working toward a circular economy, turning waste into opportunity and proving sustainability can start in your own backyard.
If you’ve ever been caught between chaos, kids and keeping costs down, this one’s for you.
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 to know where you stand.
We chat about pre-Christmas Marketplace buys and sales, sharing what’s actually worth picking up before the madness hits.
But we also get real about the schooling system. Mad’s boys aren’t even in school yet and she’s already questioning whether it’s stuck in the past. We make bold predictions, have honest debate, and dig into what really needs to change.
Laughter, chaos, clever hacks, and real talk—tune in for another episode of Chic to Be Cheap.
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 incentives to your advantage.
We also unpack upcoming changes from 1st October, plus laughs, chaos, and real-life stories - including Maddy in all white… covered in mustard.
Whether you’re aiming for your first home, planning ahead, or just love practical tips delivered with a side of mayhem, this episode is for you.
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 story about how she broke her arm during a 200-metre walk—you’ll get a good giggle from this one.
Plus, the “Skimp or Splurge” game is back, bringing more laughs, chaos, and friendly debate.
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 shrinkflation, from chip packets that are now basically 60% air to sneaky ways brands are giving us less while charging more.
And just when things couldn’t get more chaotic, a Marketplace pickup happens live on air at Maddy’s house… and it goes south very quickly. Expect belly laughs, eye rolls, and a few truths we can all relate to.
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 latest Marketplace sales, and there are more belly laughs than budget tips. Honestly, you might not learn a thing… but you’ll have the best time listening.
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 might be making moves worth your loyalty.
Plus, we’ve been podcasting for over a year, so let’s peel back the curtain a bit. Maddy introduces Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies and we share which personality types we are. (Clue: one of us loves a list, the other… not so much.)
Are you an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger or Rebel? Slide into our DMs and tell us who you are!
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 gatekeeping a new hair treatment that Maddy wants immediately, we share a few recent Marketplace wins and get into some real talk about what’s been going on behind the scenes.
It’s one of those classic catch-up eps with a few gems.
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 episode for you. We ask all the things you’ve probably wondered like... can I just send someone my bill and have them tell me what to do? (Turns out, yes.)
Sam walks us through what’s really driving up your winter bills, explains the new battery rebate in plain English, and shares easy changes you can make now to start saving. It’s funny, super practical and one of those chats where you’ll walk away thinking, why did no one explain it like this before?
You'll learn a lot, have a laugh and probably go switch off your toaster.
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 it’s not all laughs this time. We take a deeper turn to talk about the devastating childcare abuse allegations here in Melbourne. As working mums who trust the people we leave our babies with, this one hits hard.
Maddy opens up about how close to home this feels and how we, as parents can start having the uncomfortable but crucial conversations with our little ones about body safety and speaking up.
Real talk, important chats and a few laughs along the way. It’s all here.
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, she still comes through with clever ways to score discounts during the school holidays—because chic skates always find a way.
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 want to hear this.
They also get into the everyday pain of making the bed - especially fitted sheets. Why is it still so hard?
It’s a mix of smart saving, internet nostalgia and low-key life gripes.
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 proudly chic skates, not cheap skates.
Our new segment You Paid Whattttt?! is back with listener-submitted money mistakes that’ll make you feel better about your splurges. Plus, parenting chat, as always, this time involving a caravan, three midnight clothing changes, and one very tired family.
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 the wild contradiction of wanting to live green while owning five matching gym sets.
Serious chats, good laughs and the return of the listener fave - Skimp or Splurge.
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 laughs, questionable language attempts and the usual nonsense when we reunite in real life.
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 mortifying ones for Maddy (naturally).
It’s a light, fun ep to ease back in — plus a handy little money-saving tip from Jac to keep your thrifty game strong. Thanks for having us back in your ears!
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 the test by doing the exact same shop she usually does at Woolies, comparing prices to see how much she actually saved. You might be surprised by the results!
We also dive into an SBS Insight video featuring Jack Henderson, a social media and real estate personality, who questions whether Australia is truly in a cost-of-living crisis—or if we’ve just inflated our lifestyles too far. We unpack his take and share our honest thoughts.
Plus, a heads-up: next week will be our last episode for a month as we await the arrival of baby Jensen! 👶✨ Don’t miss this one!
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 happened back at the accommodation, where not having a wristband landed this eight-months-pregnant lady (yes, Jac herself!) in a bit of a predicament. Hear the hilarious story!
Meanwhile, Mads turns to the Chicskates for advice—has she become too cheap? A Power Rangers-related tale might just settle the debate.
Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the latest on all things budget-friendly!
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… or if we’ve all just grown out of the illusion.
The girls also dive into the never-ending mental load women carry (seriously, how do we fit it all in?). Is there actual science behind why we seem to handle it better than men? There has to be. A fun, chatty ep with plenty of deep thoughts and laughs along the way!
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 questions: Do banks have to pass the cut on? Should you refinance? What costs are involved? Plus, we chat about how experts like Dan can make home buying way less stressful—if you find someone you trust!
And because we can’t resist, we also dive into some fun personal stories—like Dan’s baby’s surprise gender mix-up and how Jac and Mad used to treat him as a kid. It’s a different kind of episode, but super relevant for what’s happening right now!
🎧 Tune in now for easy-to-understand insights on mortgages, home buying, and growing your equity!