If you grew up in a boomer household, chances are you’ve seen frugal living in action long before it became trendy. This is the generation that knew how to stretch a dollar, patch a pair of jeans, and make leftovers feel like a brand-new meal.
While some of their money-saving ways might feel a little old-school, a surprising number of these habits are still incredibly useful today.
In fact, with prices climbing on just about everything, the same tricks that helped boomers raise families and build stability can save us a lot of stress right now.
Here are 14 frugal habits boomers swear by and still use today.
1. Free Outings
Look on social media for free events in your area. Many communities host concerts, festivals, and other activities at no cost, providing entertainment without breaking the bank.
2. Workout With Friends
Skip the pricey gym memberships and opt for group workouts with friends. Whether it’s a morning walk, cardio session, or weightlifting routine, exercising together saves money and strengthens social bonds.
3. Practice Minimalism
Embrace minimalism by buying only what you need. Decluttering and focusing on essentials will save you money, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness.
4. Sign-Up Bonuses
Take advantage of credit card and bank sign-up bonuses. You can boost your savings without changing your habits by using your regular spending to earn rewards.
5. High-Yield Savings
Maximize your savings by keeping your cash in high-yield accounts. With interest rates far exceeding traditional savings accounts, you can make your money work harder for you.
6. Cook and Meal Prep at Home
Save time and money by cooking and meal prepping at home. Not only is it cheaper than dining out, but it also allows you to control portion sizes and ingredients for healthier meals.
7. Cutting Down and Hydrating
Practice portion control and hydrate using a reusable water bottle. Drinking water instead of purchasing beverages will save you money while keeping you refreshed.
10. Rewards Programs
Join merchant reward programs and clip coupons to maximize savings on your purchases. Websites like SlickDeals can help you find the best deals, while cashback sites and credit card rewards offer additional savings opportunities.
11. Streaming Offers
Take advantage of free gaming and streaming offers to entertain yourself without spending a dime. From free game downloads to streaming service trials, there are plenty of options to enjoy entertainment for less.
14. DIY Repairs
Learn basic DIY repair skills by watching tutorials online. From fixing leaky faucets to repairing electronics, tackling simple repairs can save you money on professional services and give you a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.
