Did Baby Boomers have it easier than millennials and Gen Z?
When it comes to money and the economy, yeah… probably. The cost of living was lower, education was more affordable, and the job market was more promising.
But… that doesn’t mean that they didn’t practice some old-fashioned, common-sense frugality that will help us stretch a dime a bit more. And goodness knows we all need to be more frugal right now.
Here are eight money-saving hacks your parents likely utilized and how you can adapt them for modern times.
1. Pack a Lunch
Boomers were masters of the humble packed lunch, which saved money on meals. They would prepare simple, homemade lunches to bring to work or school rather than buy expensive cafeteria or restaurant food.
Bringing packed lunches to school or work isn’t a bad idea, especially during difficult economic times.
Reviving this tradition with a modern twist through budget-friendly meal prepping can be cost-effective for millennials. Prepare your food on the weekends for the week, and you’ll have healthy and cheap meals you can grab and go.
Read More: 29 Easy Packed Lunch Recipes Everyone Will Love
2. Use Coupons
Before digital savings apps, boomers diligently clipped coupons from newspapers and magazines. They combined these paper coupons strategically with sales and loyalty programs to maximize savings at grocery and retail stores.
While more old-fashioned, you can still do this with coupon apps and digital coupons.
Now, of course, you can use easy coupon apps and cashback apps to do the same thing with less work.
3. DIY
From home repairs to haircuts, boomers embraced a do-it-yourself spirit to avoid the costs of professional services. Now, sometimes they did this to their detriment, but there are still some things you can DIY if you try.
They learned basic skills like plumbing, carpentry, sewing, and cutting hair.
Even if your parents haven’t taught you these things, you can easily learn how to do them with tutorials or classes. This can save you a lot of money instead of hiring professionals.
4. Shop at Thrift Stores
Before thrifting became trendy, boomers frequented second-hand stores for quality clothing, furniture, and household items at bargain prices. They appreciated repurposing and reusing items.
You can try this by checking out thrift stores, garage sales, online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook, and apps like OfferUp to find affordable secondhand items instead of buying new ones.
5. Do a Staycation
With international travel less affordable, boomers got creative, exploring local attractions and regional destinations for vacations instead of expensive trips abroad. They took road trips and explored their figurative backyards. Try finding hidden gems close to you and enjoy all the free or cheap things you’ve never done.
6. Make it a Potluck
Rather than hiring pricey caterers, boomers hosted potluck gatherings where each guest contributed a dish to share the costs. You can revive this tradition for celebrations and parties by coordinating inexpensive potluck meals with friends and family instead of going out or ordering out.
7. Start Bartering
Before today’s freelance marketplaces, boomers commonly bartered services like childcare or handyman skills with friends and neighbors to avoid cash costs.
You can look for opportunities to barter their skills and services for what they need rather than paying out of pocket.
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