We can learn a lot from other ways of life, and that includes the Amish! Here are six ways to practice frugality that are built into the fabric of the way Amish people go about their lives.
Grow Your Own Food
Gardening is a cornerstone of the Amish way of life. Start a small vegetable garden or even a few pots of herbs on your windowsill. Growing your own food reduces grocery bills and provides fresh produce for you to cook, pickle, and preserve to your heart’s content.
You don’t need a few acres to make this worth it, either. Even starting with something simple like a basil plant on your windowsill is a good place to start.
Hang Dry Your Laundry
Amish communities mostly line-dry their clothes, inadvertently saving them a ton on utility bills. We highly recommend this for anyone with the space. It’s simple, effective, and resourceful. And in a world where we’re constantly looking for a “better solution,” it’s good to remind ourselves that sometimes the easiest (and cheapest) way is one of the best.
Living Simply
The Amish originated the concept of The Simple Life; minimalism is woven into the fabric of their lives. This gives them a chance to reflect on and appreciate the things they already have. Gratitude is cheap, and it’s even cheaper when you can learn to love the things you already have.
Making things simple doesn’t mean not spending money, but it certainly means examining what’s worth spending money on. Most people with minimalist lifestyles know that focusing on experiences is a much better thing to invest in once you change your perception.
Limiting Technology
The Amish don’t use much technology, which means they aren’t standing in line for the new iPhone like everyone else. And if you don’t feel like you need to keep up with tech trends, you’re saving yourself a lot of money.
The good news: you don’t have to go off the grid to save money. Making small changes, like only upgrading every other update or only when your existing tech stops working, makes an enormous difference.
Fix Your Clothes
The Amish are no strangers to a needle and thread. Most other people would be more inclined to resort to fast fashion when there’s a rip or tear in their shirt. But the Amish are happy to mend things when they can. And they don’t take this approach to just their clothes, either. They know how to work with their hands and often take the DIY route whenever possible.
Build Strong Community Connections
The final practice doesn’t seem frugal at first glance. And yet it’s one of the most important things you can do for your financial health: build strong connections. Engage with your local community by participating in group activities, sharing resources, or organizing potlucks.
Not only will you feel a closer connection to your fellow person, but you’ll find a wealth of resources and support to help lower your expenses.
