#76. How to Keep More of the Money You Make (with Sarah Von Bargen)

Making more money is only one part of the equation. What you do with the money you already have can make just as big of a difference. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Von Bargen, a longtime entrepreneur, writer, fractional marketing director, real estate investor, and expert-level frugal person. Sarah shares how she’s built a flexible business that allows her to work from anywhere, how house-sitting has saved her an estimated $15,000–$25,000 in travel costs, and how she and her husband use house hacking to dramatically reduce their housing expenses. **1. Saving money can function like an additional income stream.** There are two sides to the Drip Trickle Flow Flood equation: what comes in and what flows out. Sarah has found creative ways to dramatically reduce major expenses, including using TrustedHousesitters to save thousands on travel and house hacking to lower her monthly housing costs. **2. Look at what your spending actually gives you.** Sarah recommends reviewing your bank and credit card statements and categorizing purchases as green, yellow, or pink. Green purchases brought you joy or value. Yellow purchases are forgettable. Pink purchases are the ones you regret. Cutting the pink purchases can save money without feeling like deprivation. **3. Create friction before you spend.** Convenience makes it incredibly easy to buy things without thinking. Sarah intentionally creates friction by researching purchases, returning things that don’t work, buying secondhand first, and spending five minutes checking whether she already owns something that solves the problem. **4. Business expenses deserve the same scrutiny as personal expenses.** A new app, subscription, course, or hire isn’t automatically an “investment” because it’s for your business. Before spending, ask whether something you already pay for can do the job and whether the real problem is the tool or a skill you need to develop. **5. A successful business can be surprisingly simple.** You don’t necessarily need an elaborate tech stack or constant marketing. Sarah’s fractional marketing business is built largely on relationships, retainers, doing great work, taking initiative, and delivering what she promises. **Links Mentioned** Sarah’s Instagram Sarah’s fractional marketing services Sarah’s substack Trusted House Sitters discount code Furnished Finder **Our Links** Tony’s website Melissa’s website **Drip Trickle Flow Flood T-Shirts** We’ve got *merch!* That’s right, **Drip Trickle Flow Flood** t-shirts are officially here and they’re as comfy as they are conversation-starting. Grab yours! **Rate and Review** If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review *Drip Trickle Flow Flood* on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners discover the show and it makes our day. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to this newsletter for income ideas that drip, trickle, flow, and flood into your life. **Disclaimer:** The information provided in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information presented is complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the content discussed.