21 Frugal Boomer Living Tips Middle-Class Americans Can Start Doing To Save Money

We all like to rag on boomers a bit, but the people who have the most knowledge are the ones who have been around the longest. The older generation has wisdom to share, and they do so freely and happily.

Middle-class Americans can use these amazing tips from boomers to help them learn how to live in the new reality of high inflation and low wages. After all, maybe now it’s time to get a bit old-fashioned. 

These old-fashioned money-saving life hacks will help you easily cut expenses! Instead of stressing about money, try out some of these tips first. You’ll be surprised at how effortless these hacks make saving money look. Get started today, and watch your monthly income grow.

 1. Create a Monthly Budget.

Creating a monthly budget is a great way to get started saving money. Knowing how much you need to spend will prepare you to save when you can.

2. Cook Meals at Home.

Eating out might be enjoyable, but it’s expensive, too! By cooking meals at home, you can save money. Bonus points for learning how to cook better!

3. Meal Prep for the Week.

Short on time (and money)? Try prepping all your meals for a week to be ready when you need them. You’ll save big on unexpected food and meal costs!

4. Buy Groceries in Bulk.

Buying groceries in bulk is often cheaper – plus, they last longer. Make sure to only buy groceries in bulk that you know you’ll use.

5. Shop During Sales.

Shopping during sales is one of the best life hacks to save money out there. Instead of always paying full price, take advantage of sales and discounts!

6. Stop Eating Out

eating out can get pricey, fast. Try to reduce the amount of times you eat out per month and see how much you can save.

7. Use Public Transportation.

Public transportation can save you money on gas and car repairs. Plus, it’s better for the environment!

8. Carpool or Rideshare.

Do you and a coworker work similar shifts every week? Try asking them for a ride to save on gas money. While our grandparents didn’t rideshare they definitely carpooled if they had the option!

9. Walk or Bike When Possible.

Get your exercise in and consider walking or biking instead of driving. Before there were so many cars, most people walked or biked when they needed to get anywhere. 

10. DIY Home Repairs.

Stressing over some small leaks or cracks around the house? There are plenty of resources online to learn how to do your own home repairs. It’s time to get handy.

11. Buy Secondhand Furniture.

Furniture is necessary to make a house feel like a home. However, it can get expensive, fast. Consider buying your furniture secondhand to save big.

12. Sell Unused Items.

Do you have any items lying around your house unused? Sell them online or in-person to make some easy money.

13. Host Potluck Dinners.

It’s important to make time for friends and family – and you can do it without breaking the bank! Host a potluck dinner where everyone brings food to share.

14. Make Coffee at Home.

Making your coffee at home is one of the most rewarding life hacks to save money. Many people don’t realize how expensive their daily coffee is. Try saving by brewing it at home instead! Before Starbucks, our boomer grandparent’s made coffee at home!

15. Pack Lunch for Work.

Buying work lunches can be expensive and even time-consuming! Instead, pack a simple lunch at home to take with you to work. In the “olden days,” everyone brought their own lunches to work. 

16. Buy In-Season Produce.

Produce is cheapest when it’s in-season, so keep that in mind when grocery shopping! Channel your grandmother and buy fresh, in-season, local produce- she didn’t have planes to fly exotic fruits to her supermarket. 

17. Use Your Local Library.

Libraries offer many free services, including books, movies, and even tickets to local events. If you love reading, then get to know your library!

18. Purchase Used Books.

Are you a book lover? If so, you know how expensive new books can get. Consider buying your books second-hand to save money.

19. DIY Cleaning Products.

Cleaning products are easy to make at home, so why not save some money and do it yourself? Most only require a few ingredients, such as baking soda or vinegar.

20. Collect Rainwater for Gardening.

Do you love gardening, but you’re tired of running up your water bill? Try collecting rainwater to garden with if you live in a wet climate!

21. Use a Clothesline.

Do it the old-fashioned way and dry your clothes on a clothesline. Sometimes the older ways of doing things really are the best!