S2 E19: We went on hiatus...inflation did not.

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 new to worry about. Talk of war, fuel prices climbing, groceries creeping up again… it can feel a bit relentless. So we felt pulled back to the mic. This episode is exactly what Chic to be Cheap has always been about, real conversations about money without the shame, the extremes or the unrealistic advice. We’re sharing the small things we’re personally doing right now to feel a bit more in control - reviewing expenses, questioning subscriptions, being more intentional with everyday spending, and reminding ourselves that small changes still count. It’s also filled with the usual light-hearted chaos, tangents and humour because not everything has to feel heavy, even when the world does. Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing perfect. Just honest. We’ve missed this. And we’re really glad to be back in your ears.

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 into the real gold. This week we asked you: What Christmas presents did you buy last year that your kids are still using? And honestly… the answers were elite. Some absolute gems a few shockers and one super-hyped toy we are not sold on 👀 We also chat: * Thriftmas (secondhand girlies rise) * The Yoto craze - worth it or nah? * And Jacqui’s full 3-minute campaign on why trendy, aesthetic Christmas trees are ruining the vibe.Maddy gave her a standing ovation. Deserved. A wholesome, silly, surprisingly helpful wrap-up to the year - with plenty of ideas to help you nail Christmas gifting without blowing the budget. Pop us on while you wrap, bake or escape to the pantry. Merry Christmas, you beautiful Chic skates 🎄✨

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 Australians from tonnes of fillings * How a couple of $45 X-rays can save you thousands in root canals later * The exact Colgate whitening toothpaste she actually rates (and waits to buy half-price) * Why she says water flossers are overrated and cheap floss wins * Whether HiSmile is dentist-approved or just good branding * How often you really need to go to the dentist – and when extras cover is actually worth it Plus: kids who won’t let you brush, tank water families, toothbrush heads that haven’t been changed in 18 months, and the gross side of dentistry. If you drink lemon water, avoid flossing or haven’t had a check-up in years... this one’s going to hurt just enough to help.

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 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.

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 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.