The Life-Changing Magic of a Shopping Ban with Cait Flanders

<p>We are so excited to have Cait Flanders, author of &quot;The Year of Less&quot;, on the podcast today! Cait underwent a two-year shopping ban that changed not just her finances, but her life.  Cait is here on the podcast to tell us more about her experience, and give tips to others considering a lifestyle change. </p><p><b>Sponsors: </b></p><ul><li><b>CookSmarts</b> - not an official sponsor, but we are big fans! It’s a meal planning service that provides 4 meals per week and they have regular, gluten-free, paleo, and vegetarian versions AND they’re offering 3 free meal plans and 20% off paid meal plans through Sept 26th (with more sales in the coming months). Nobody should say no to 3 free meal plans so head to <a href='http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs'>frugalfriendspodcast.com/cs</a>. If you do make a purchase you’ll help support the podcast. </li><li><b>Nothing</b> - buy nothing, spend nothing. nothing. try it out!</li></ul><p><b>Notable Notes:</b></p><ul><li>Cait Flander&apos;s book <a href='https://caitflanders.com/the-year-of-less/'>&quot;The Year of Less&quot;</a> was our first book for our Frugal Friends Book Club in the month of September. So it goes without saying that we are thrilled to be speaking with the author! Cait speaks candidly about the realities of this shopping ban experience, while still maintaining herself and dignity in the process. <ul><li>Questions for Cait from Jen and Jill: <ul><li>How was the second year of the shopping ban and how has life been since?</li><li>Were you surprised by the peripheral issues and difficulties that the ban brought up for you? Did you anticipate so much ‘soul-searching’ and emotional/mental growth?</li><li>What do you recommend for people who want to do a shopping ban?</li><li>Overall what has stuck the most? (i.e. shopping being something we bond over, spending and mindfulness, needing friends in the process, overcoming rationalizations, etc.)</li><li>What feedback have you received from readers? Any exciting stories that others have shared with you ab