Sometimes, there’s just no substitute for grandma’s financial wisdom. Here are some tips from older generations that remain effective today.
I think it’s time these old-fashioned Grandma frugal living tips are due for a comeback!
1. Conserve Energy at Home
Remember to turn off lights when you’re not in a room, close the door (you’re letting all the hot/cool air out!), and turn things off when you aren’t using them.
While energy-efficient appliances weren’t necessarily accessible to our grandparents, we’re sure they would also get their seal of approval.
2. Buy Generic
Grandma couldn’t tell the difference between brand names and generics; we’d wager that most people can’t either. Buy generic whenever possible to save considerably on food costs.
3. Keep a Tight Budget
Grandma would sometimes loosen her purse strings for purchases, but only because she knew exactly how much she could spend thanks to proper budgeting.
Do the same, and you’ll be surprised by how much more financial freedom you have.
4. Make Cleaning Products
Did you know that simple ingredients like lemon, baking soda, and vinegar make some pretty potent all-purpose cleaners? Our grandparents did, and they’d use them all the time over store-bought, chemical-laden cleaners.
5. Shop Secondhand
Secondhand shopping, like going to garage sales or thrift stores, is somewhat trendy now.
But many people don’t realize just how much shopping you can accomplish if you know where to look. And the items are often better quality than you’d expect for a fraction of the price.
6. Buy Seasonal Produce
Grandma loved to shop and cook things that were in season. Not just because produce is more delicious when it’s in season, but it’s often more affordable! Don’t forget to buy locally and check out a farmer’s market for the freshest (usually cheapest) options.
7. Teach Yourself to Sew
Even some basic sewing techniques can save you significantly from buying new clothes. Grandma saw the value in knowing how to sew a patch or a button because it prevents you from tossing some of your favorite shirts or pants by doing a quick fix.
8. Reuse and Repurpose
Grandmothers always know how to make the most of what they have. Old takeout containers can become Tupperware, old jars are fantastic for storage, and even old T-shirts can be repurposed into dishes or dusting rags!
9. Avoid Impulse Purchases
Our grandparents often had no choice but to mull over their purchases; there wasn’t the immediate gratification that we get with online shopping. Take a page out of their book and wait twenty-four hours before buying something significant or something you’re unsure about.
10. Plan Errands Efficiently
Want to save more money on gas? Plan your route more efficiently to save yourself time and money. This should also include completely multiple tasks in one outing.
11. Use Coupons
While clipping coupons with scissors is slowly becoming a dying art, you can still clip coupons using your phone. Grandma wouldn’t leave the house without her coupons, and she was smart for it because they could save you a considerable amount. Remember to search for coupons on websites before you check out when online shopping, too.
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