10 Money-Saving Tricks Our Grandparents Swore By (That Still Work!)
Our grandparents lived through times when every penny counted — and that resourcefulness has left us with many pearls of wisdom over the years. Though their frugal habits were often born out of necessity, these tips are still useful today. Now, in our age of modern convenience, these tried-and-true tricks can help us save money, reduce waste, and live more sustainably.
Here are 10 clever hacks our grandparents swore by that still ring true today.
1. Growing Your Own Food
Gardening was a staple of frugal living for our grandparents, and it’s making a comeback today. Growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits at home not only saves money but also ensures fresh, organic produce that’s free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Even a small backyard plot or container garden can yield significant savings over time. Plus, it’s a rewarding way to connect with nature and reduce your carbon footprint in the process. You go, bestie!
2. Mending and Repairing Clothes
Instead of tossing out worn-out clothes, our grandparents would patch holes, sew buttons, and darn socks. Learning basic sewing skills can extend the life of your wardrobe and save you hundreds of dollars every year. Today, with the rise of sustainable fashion, mending isn’t just frugal — it’s an eco-friendly way to shop responsibly.
3. Buying Secondhand
Thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets were go-to spots for our grandparents to find just about everything. From clothing and toys to furniture and antique tools, buying secondhand is a great way to find unique, high-quality items while saving money in the process. With the growing popularity of vintage and retro styles, thrifting has also become a trendy way to shop.
4. Cooking at Home
Back in the day, eating out was a rare treat reserved only for special occasions (and in today’s economy, that rings true for just about everyone). Oour grandparents relied on home-cooked meals to stretch their budgets, and that approach still holds up today. Cooking from scratch is far cheaper than dining out or ordering takeout, and it allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes. For busy families, batch cooking and meal prepping can also be a savvy way to save both time and money.
5. Using Every Last Bit
Our grandparents were masters of making the most of what they had, whether it was using vegetable scraps for soups and stocks or repurposing old jars for storage. This “waste not, want not” mentality can help you live more sustainably by reducing waste and saving money. For example, stale bread became bread pudding, and worn-out towels were cut into cleaning rags. By adopting these habits, you can also cut down on household expenses while doing your part for the planet.
6. Sticking to the Shopping List
Impulse buys were a luxury our parents and grandparents couldn’t always afford. As such, they planned their shopping trips carefully by sticking to a list and avoiding unnecessary purchases (looking at you, Target). While it can take some practice to resist the urge to splurge, this simple habit can help you stay on budget and avoid buyer’s remorse.
7. Making Homemade Cleaning Products
Before the era of fancy (and pricey) cleaning supplies, our grandparents relied on simple, effective ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to remove stains and keep their homes sparkling clean. These DIY solutions are not only cheaper to use but are also safer for the environment and your health, as you know exactly what goes into them.
8. Air-Drying Laundry
Dryers were a luxury for many of our grandparents (and most cities in Europe), where clothes were hung out to dry on balconies or drying racks. But is there any benefit to this old-school method? You’d be surprised. While it requires a bit more effort, air-drying actually saves energy, reduces wear and tear on fabrics, and can significantly lower your utility bills.
9. Preserving and Canning Food
To make the most of seasonal produce, our parents and grandparents would preserve fruits and vegetables through canning, pickling, and freezing. This practice not only reduced food waste but also ensured a steady supply of affordable, homegrown food year-round. Plus, what better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally!
10. Trading Produce or Skills
Whether it was swapping garden produce or helping with home repairs, our grandparents lived in a time when trading goods and services with neighbors and friends was the norm. While less common today, this practice can be helpful in building community and saving money by leveraging skills and resources you already have.