Grandmas know a lot about saving money. She shares practical tips that have been passed down for generations, helping us spend less in today’s expensive world. With prices going up on everything, we all want to enjoy life while saving some money.
By adopting old-fashioned frugal living tricks that Grandma used, we can lead a happier, simpler, and more frugal life.
The great news is that if we incorporate some of Grandma’s proven habits in how we handle food, shopping, and our lifestyle, we can have extra money to invest in our goals.
27 old-fashioned frugal tips that Grandma used every day.
1. Make Your Own Meal
Skip the expensive stuff at the store—make your meals from scratch. Make your own soup stock from leftover bones, bake fresh bread, and whip up meals using simple pantry staples.
It’s not only about saving money, you will also enjoy homemade deliciousness without the need to check your wallet. Keep it simple, keep it tasty, and keep those savings stacking up.
2. Preserve Food
Did you get a bit of grocery from the market or a batch of cucumbers from your generous neighbour? Don’t let them go to waste. Instead, learn the easy way to save them from getting squishy.
Find out simple ways to keep your food fresh like pickling, canning, and freezing—discover these tricks to make sure nothing goes to waste. Say goodbye to soggy snacks and maintain your stocks in the right way.
3. Start Saving Now
It’s never too late to start saving! Don’t feel disheartened for not beginning earlier. Anything is better than nothing. Make it easy on yourself—set up a direct deposit, and watch your savings grow automatically. No need to throw your hands up; just take that first step toward a brighter financial future.
4. Get Creative with Leftovers
Transform your leftovers into exciting new dishes! Take that extra chicken and reimagine it in soups, salads, and sandwiches. Give your meals a fresh twist by making the most of what’s left from yesterday’s dinner.
5. Smart Food Storage
Maximize the life of your groceries with useful tricks. Cover dairy, keep produce dry, and avoid overstuffing the fridge. By storing food properly, you not only extend its freshness but also cut down on unnecessary waste. It’s a simple way to make your groceries go the extra mile.
6. Well-stocked pantry, Stress-Free Meals
Keep things simple by always having your pantry filled with basics. No need to worry on those days when meal planning slips your mind. Having a variety of staples on hand guarantees you can cook homemade meals anytime.
Make a list of easy recipes your family loves, and start collecting the ingredients. When you spot canned and dry goods on sale, grab a bunch. They last long and guarantee you’ve got a meal backup for days to come, without the hassle.
7. Bake Bread
Let the bread machine do the kneading and maintain the ideal settings for that perfect, consistent loaf. Plus, the basic ingredients required are likely already in your pantry, and they won’t break your wallet.
Not only does baking your own bread save you money, but it’s also a great way to cut costs, especially if you fancy organic, gluten-free, or other pricier loaves from the store.
8. Start Your Mini Garden
Transform even the tiniest patio or windowsill into a fresh produce haven. Compact spaces thrive with herbs, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, radishes, and beans—making your little garden a powerhouse of goodness!
9. Wash Your Dishes by Your Hands
Opt for handwashing instead of the dishwasher to save on water and electricity. Just remember to use a basin and avoid letting the water run to make it eco-friendly and efficient.
10. Learn Some Simple Sewing Skills
Don’t throw away that sock or garment with a hole or torn instead just fix it! Learning basic sewing skills, like stitching or sewing on a button, not only saves money but also extends the life of your clothes. Teach yourself using YouTube videos or make it a fun friend activity by taking classes online or near your home.
11. Don’t Purchase Cleaning Products
Back in the day, our grandparents didn’t rely on pricey cleaning products. Instead, they stuck to simple, reliable basics that you likely already have at home. Bleach for disinfecting, baking soda for gentle scrubbing, and a mix of vinegar, water, and a dash of dishwashing liquid for sparkling windows.
12. Make Soup Frequently
Whip up more soup—it’s hearty and budget-friendly. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner solution. The bonus? Leftovers freeze works well with soup.
13. Store Little Scraps in the Jar
Collect all those charming little scraps—ribbon ends, glass jam jars, bits of broken costume jewellery, buttons, and more. Keep them in a plastic container, and you’ll be amazed at the imaginative ways you can repurpose these delightful finds.
14. Go for Cash
Just like our grandparents did from the start only making payments in cash. Whether it’s holiday shopping, birthday gifts, or a little self-indulgence, hit the ATM beforehand. Using physical money makes your spending feel more tangible, often leading to spending less as well.
15. Drink Water Over Soda
Choosing water over soda has numerous benefits. Firstly, your body requires water, not soda. Secondly, water is cost-free, while soda will cost you every time. There are more reasons, but these two simple facts are all you need to make a wise decision.
16. Picnic Time
If you’re heading out for a day trip or family adventure, make your sandwiches, pasta salad, or some warm soup for those chilly days. Not only is it more affordable than dining out, but you also get to enjoy a good view with your meal!
17. Get Creative with Everyday Items
Find fresh purposes for jars, containers, frames, fabric scraps, and more. Transform reused jars into fantastic food storage containers, proving that a little creativity can go a long way.
18. Raise Chickens
Raising your own chickens is becoming increasingly popular. If your neighbourhood allows it or you have ample land, consider welcoming a flock to your backyard.
Enjoy a constant supply of fresh, organic eggs and homegrown fertilizer for your garden. Chickens also play a role in naturally clearing your yard of weeds, bugs, and other pesky outdoor problems.
19. Try to Collect Rainwater
Even before it was considered environmentally friendly, way back then, grandparents collected rainwater running off the garage roof in a barrel. Create or purchase your own to gather free water for your garden.
20. Do Home Repairs Yourself
Back in the good old days, people didn’t hire handymen for household repairs—they fixed things themselves. Today, with the help of modern resources like YouTube or Google, you can easily learn to tackle various repairs independently.
From simple plumbing and appliance fixes to window repairs, watching how-to videos can save you hundreds, even thousands of money.
21. Take Charge of Car Care
Why pay someone else to wash, vacuum, or even change the oil in your car when you can easily handle it yourself? Basic car maintenance is simple to learn, and the DIY approach will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Take control of your vehicle’s care without buying anything by tackling these tasks yourself –
22. Learn Bargaining
In the old days, bargaining was a way of life, and guess what? It’s still perfectly acceptable today, especially in places like flea markets, estate sales, and other shops. Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount. The trick is to make a reasonable offer and approach it with respect. You might just amaze yourself with how well it works.
23. Reduce Appliance Usage
Cutting down your utility bills is easier than you might think. Begin by switching off lights and appliances not in use. Opt for a table lamp when reading or browsing on your phone instead of overhead lighting.
Be easy on heating and cooling your home, as these contribute significantly to your electricity costs.
24. Make Homemade Remedies By Yourself
With a growing interest in natural and organic products, manufacturers are meeting the demand by creating more nature-based goods. But these “natural” products can be pricey to buy.
The alternative? Create your homemade remedies quickly without any effort. You can use honey mixed in warm water for your sore throat, homemade chicken soup for your cold, and ginger in tea for an upset stomach.
25. DIY Gifts
Create lasting memories with homemade gifts—everyone has a special talent! Bake a batch of brownies, give a DIY bracelet, or assemble a memory book filled with old photos, perhaps even enlarge and frame one.
26. Choose Long-Lasting Quality
Go for enduring quality over frequent replacements. Invest in well-constructed and durable items, paying attention to both the build and fabric.
27. Brew Your Coffee at Home
Coffee’s a timeless classic. Save money by making it yourself instead of buying pricey cups daily. Consider investing in a good-quality travel mug for convenience.
Conclusion
For generations, grandmothers have shared valuable frugal wisdom, and it holds true for a reason. In today’s economy, marked by higher prices, adopting some of Grandma’s practical, money-saving habits can yield tangible financial benefits.
From homemade remedies to clever money-saving tricks, Grandma’s legacy teaches us that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. Embracing her frugal mindset not only preserves a piece of the past but also paves the way for a more sustainable and financially smart future.
